Fluid collection and disposal system having interchangeable collection and other features and methods relating thereto

ABSTRACT

Various implementations of a fluid collection system having a flexible liner are disclosed. In one exemplary variation, the fluid collection system may include a flexible liner configured to collapse, a plurality of containers, back storage, specimen collection containers, and/or automatic connection to a suction source to reduce the volume of medical wastes, reduce the frequency of disposal cycles, reduce risk of exposure to potentially hazardous waste.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromprior U.S. provisional application No. 60/919,607, filed on Mar. 23,2007, titled LIQUID COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODSand U.S. provisional application No. 60/963,325, filed on Aug. 3, 2007,titled LIQUID COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS, theentire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also related to applicants' copending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______, filed on Mar. 24, 2008, titled FLUIDCOLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS, the entire contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to fluid collectionand disposal systems and related methods. More specifically, particularvariations relate to waste collection and disposal systems that utilizeflexible liners, a plurality of containers, back storage, specimencollection containers, and/or automatic connection to a suction source,and related methods of use thereof.

2. Brief Description of Related Art

Hospital operating rooms, emergency rooms, and other healthcarefacilities generate a large volume of fluid waste, which may includeirrigation fluids and secretions removed from a patient's body (e.g.,blood and other bodily liquids). To collect and dispose of such fluidwaste, suction canisters are typically used. A typical suction canisteris a temporary storage container that uses suction to create a negativepressure inside the canister to drain fluids or secretions from thepatients' body. After each medical procedure (e.g., surgery), thecanister containing the fluid waste is transported to a utility area tobe disposed of as red-bag waste or to be emptied, cleaned, anddisinfected for reuse. A new or cleaned canister is then brought intothe operating room for a next medical procedure. This process can belabor intensive and time consuming. Furthermore, since this process isperformed following every medical procedure, the frequency of theprocess may increase the clinicians' risk of exposure to potentiallyhazardous waste.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved waste collection anddisposal system that may overcome one or more of the problems discussedabove.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among others, various aspects of the present invention may includeproviding a fluid collection system that utilizes flexible liners, aplurality of containers, back storage, specimen collection containers,and/or automatic connection to a suction source to reduce the volume ofmedical wastes, reduce the frequency of disposal cycles, reduce risk ofexposure to potentially hazardous waste. Also, certain aspects of thepresent invention may provide a waste disposal system, for use with theliquid collection system, that may improve labor efficiency, safety, andconvenience of the medical personnel participating in a medicalprocedure.

While aspects and exemplary variations of the present invention will bedescribed in connection with a particular medical waste collection anddisposal process, aspects of the invention may be used in other suitablemedical and non-medical applications, such as medical or non-medicalcleaning devices and processes.

To attain the advantages and other features of aspects of the presentinvention, as embodied and broadly described herein, one exemplaryaspect may provide a waste collection system having a container having atop opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and the flexibleliner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lidand the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and thelid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. Thelid may include an access port through which the interior space receivesfluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to collapse into asubstantially collapsed state as the fluid is removed from the interiorspace.

Additional objects and advantages of aspects of the present inventionwill be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in partwill be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practicethereof. Such objects and advantages may be realized and attained bymeans of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A better understanding of the invention will be had upon reference tothe following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawingsin which like reference numerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid collection system, inaccordance with exemplary aspects of the present invention, illustratingvarious components.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aninterface board for the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of various components inside theliquid collection system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a liquid collection bag in a collapsedstate, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the liquid collection bag during aliquid collection stage, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary collection system,illustrating a placement of the liquid collection bag into a cavity ofthe liquid collection system, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 7( a)-(c) are perspective views of an exemplary collection system,in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a liquid collection and disposalsequence, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic illustrations of a back-up storagecontainer, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 11-16 show exemplary variations of a back-up storage container, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views of a disposable, separable tubejunction, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a liquid collection bag, in accordancewith aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are cross-sectional views of the liquid collection bagshown in FIGS. 15 and 16, respectively.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are perspective views of a lid for a liquid collectionbag, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective cut-away view of the lid shown in FIGS. 22 and23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary lid and main body inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 26 and 26( a) are a schematic illustrations of a fluid trap usablein accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of a liquid disposal process, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the liquid collection system of FIG. 1,engaged with a liquid disposal station, in accordance with aspects ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 29-35 are schematic illustrations of a liquid collection anddisposal system, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 36-38 show exemplary features of a liquid collection and disposalsystem in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram of a liquid disposal station,illustrating various components and operational characteristicsassociated with a liquid collection system, in accordance with aspectsof the present invention.

FIGS. 40( a) and 40(b) depict aspects of an exemplary disposal system,in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 40( c) depicts aspects of an exemplary disposal system, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 41( a-e) and 42(a-c) show an exemplary liquid collection system, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 43( a-c) show an exemplary liquid collection container, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 44-46 illustrate an exemplary liquid collection method and system,in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 47-49 illustrate exemplary variations of liquid collectioncontainer, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 50-52 illustrate an exemplary liquid collection system, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 53-55 illustrate an exemplary liquid collection system, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 56 and 57 illustrate a liquid collection and disposal process, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 58 illustrates a liquid collection and disposal process, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 59 illustrates a liquid collection and disposal process, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 60-62 illustrate an exemplary liquid collection system, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 63 and 64 illustrate a liquid collection and disposal process, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 65-66 illustrate an exemplary liquid collection system, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 67-69 illustrate an exemplary liquid collection system, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 70-71 illustrate an exemplary liquid collection system, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 72-74 illustrate an exemplary liquid collection system including aback-up container or specimen collector, in accordance with aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 75 illustrates an exemplary liquid collection system, in accordancewith aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 76 illustrates an exemplary liquid collection container, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 77( a-c) illustrates an exemplary liquid collection and disposalprocess, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 78-80 illustrate an exemplary liquid collection system, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 81 illustrates an exemplary liquid collection and disposal process,in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 82-92 illustrate exemplary variations of a liquid collectioncontainer, including illustrations of methods of storage and methods ofuse thereof, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 93 is a perspective views illustrating an exemplary engagementbetween a liquid disposal station and a lid of a liquid collectionsystem, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIGS. 94 and 95 are cross-sectional views illustrating the exemplaryengagement of the devices of FIG. 93, as located between the disposalinterface of the liquid disposal station and an evacuation port of thelid.

FIG. 96 is a cross-sectional view of the disposal interface and valve ofFIGS. 94 and 95 in engagement with the evacuation port, illustrating anexemplary flow of cleaning water for cleaning the interface, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 97 is a cross-sectional view of the interstitial interface of FIG.93 in engagement with an interstitial port of the lid.

FIG. 98 is a block diagram of one variation of a liquid collectionsystem illustrating various components and their operationalcharacteristics thereof, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 99-101 illustrate exemplary implementations of a fluid collectioncontainer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to aspects of the presentinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIGS. 1-3 show a portable fluid collection system 10 (herein referred tointerchangeably as a liquid collection system), according to exemplaryaspects of the present invention. The system 10 includes a main body,also interchangeably referred to herein as a container receivinghousing, 12 defining a cavity 15 for receiving a fluid collectioncontainer 30 (herein referred to interchangeably as a liquid collectioncontainer), shown in this figure as an exemplary fluid collection bag 30(herein referred to interchangeably as a liquid collection bag). Theliquid collection container is also interchangeably referred to hereinas a “liquid collection bag.” The system 10 may also include a handle 14and wheels 19 to facilitate transport of the system 10. The wheels 19may be permanently fixed to the main body 12 or, alternatively, to asupport platform on which the main body 12 may be placed. The system 10may also include a cord reel 43 for storing a power cable. Although thesystem 10 is illustrated as being mobile, the system may be stationary.The system may be configured to incorporate a disposal system, such asthe disposal systems described herein. The system 10 may also bestationary and configured to function with a mobile disposal station.

The term “liquid,” as used herein, does not merely refer to a state ofmatter as defined in the thermodynamic and/or fluid mechanics art.Instead, the term “liquid” also includes any solid particles or gasesthat may incidentally flow with a liquid medium (e.g., irrigation fluidor blood) or that may be intentionally collected using a liquid medium.For example, when the fluid collection system 10 is used in a surgicalprocedure, the term “liquid” may refer to a combination of liquid medium(e.g., irrigation fluid, blood, and other bodily liquid from thepatient) and any solid particles including, but not limited to, resectedtissue removed from the patient's body or harmful particles mixed withsmoke or other particulates and/or gases such as may occur in connectionwith laser, cauterization, and/or other medical procedures. The term“fluid,” as used herein may also refer to a liquid medium, solidparticles, smoke, gases, particulates, and combinations thereof.

The main body 12 may also include a container holder for receiving aback-up storage container 20, such as a suction canister. The holder mayinclude a foldable mounting bracket 18 having an opening sized andconfigured to receive the container 20. When not in use, the bracket 18may be folded substantially flush with a side surface of the main body12, so as not to interfere with the normal use of the system 10.Alternatively, the holder may include a planar support structure (e.g.,a flat structure without a hole) on which the container 20 may berested. Alternatively still, storage container 20 may be affixed to themain body 12 by a sliding-type bracket, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,470,324, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. As a further modification, vacuum pressure may be supplied tothe interior space of the container 20 directly through the bracket,such as via a connector provided on the sidewall of the main body 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 12 may include one or more storageunits 16 for storing, for example, medical supplies associated with thesystem 10. In some exemplary embodiments, the storage units 16 may beconfigured to store multiple liquid collection bags 30.

The system 10 may include a vacuum pump 44 for supplying a suction forceto the cavity 15 and to the liquid collection bag 30. Although not shownin FIG. 3, the system 10 may include appropriate suction conduitsconnecting the vacuum pump 44 to the cavity 15 and the liquid collectionbag 30. In certain exemplary embodiments, instead of, or in addition to,providing the vacuum pump 44 in the main body 12, an alternative suctionsource may be separately supplied to the system 10. For example,suitable conduits, tubing, fittings, connectors, and/or other hookupsmay be provided on the main body 12 to allow connection to an externalsource of vacuum or suction force, such as a wall vacuum in a hospitalsetting. The availability of an alternative suction source may enable acontinuous liquid collection process even when the vacuum pump 44malfunctions or becomes otherwise unavailable, for example.

In certain variations, the system 10 may include a filter unit 70 (e.g.,a HEPA filter) to prevent relatively large particles from entering thevacuum pump 44.

The system 10 may include an interface board 13 for enabling control ofvarious features of the system 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, theboard 13 may include a selection button 56 for controlling the powersupplied to the system 10 and a selection button or variable controlknob 58 for regulating suction power. The interface board 13 may alsoinclude one or more visual or audible indicators that provide variousinformation relating to operational characteristics and/or status of thesystem 10. For example, the interface board 13 may include one or morelight indicators 55, 52, 54 for indicating whether the system 10 isready for operation, whether the storage bag 30 is full (or filled to anindicated level), or whether the filter 70 needs to be replaced. Theboard 13 may also include a vacuum level indicator 59 to provide visualfeedback on the level of suction pressure as controlled by the variablecontrol knob 58. An audio source may be provided to supply audioindicators alone or in conjunction with one or more of the visualindicators.

The interface board may also include any one or more visual and/oraudible indicators that the liquid collected in the liquid collectionbag has reached a predetermined or selected level. The visual indicatormay include a light or other visual indicator on the interface board.The visual indicator may also include a light or other display forprojection onto a wall or ceiling of the room in which the system islocated. For example, a visual indicator may show that the bag is“almost full” when the liquid collected in the bag reaches more than 80%of the capacity of the bag. This indication may also or alternativelyoccur at 85%, 90%, or 95%, for example. The interface board may includea selection button for enabling/disabling the audible alarm. Theinterface board may include additional visual indicators to signal thatthe filter should be replaced, or that the bag is full.

The liquid collection bag 30 may be a disposable unit. As shown in FIG.1, the collection bag 30 may include a lid 31 and a flexible liner 35attached to or integrally formed with the lid 31, such that the liner 35and the lid 31 define a substantially sealed interior spacetherebetween. The flexible liner 35 may attach to the lid 31 via a snapring, via adhesive, via hot melt, ultrasonic weld, sealing such as heatsealing, etc.

The flexible liner 35 may comprise a sufficiently durable, yetcollapsible material, so that, upon applying a negative pressure insidethe interior space (e.g., during and/or after fluid is removed from theinterior space), the liner 35 can collapse into a smaller volume. Insome exemplary applications, the liner 35 may additionally include oneor more support structures that guide the liner 35 to expand/extend andcollapse/retract in a predetermined manner. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, the liner 35 may include a plurality of support rings or aspiral shaped support 37 (e.g., ribs or spirals made of flexible wires),spaced apart from one another along the length of the liner 35, so thatthe liner 35 may expand and collapse in a bellow-like manner. The termcollapse as used herein, includes and is interchangeably referred toherein as actions in which the sides of the liner 35 fall in, cave in,retract, unextend, compress in, fold, or roll, among other things,and/or which may optionally be forced or otherwise collapsed via ascraping or other squeegee type apparatus. Alternatively, as seen inFIG. 5, the liner 35 may not include such support rings 37. In eithercase, in variations the liner 35 extends and retracts along itslongitudinal axis. Other variations may include other directions inwhich the liner 35 extends and retracts.

The liquid collection bag 30 may also include a flexible pathway locatedalong the flexible liner 35 configured to communicate a disposal devicewith contents that are collected at the bottom of the flexible liner 35.This flexible pathway may include a channel provided in the material ofthe liner, a flexible tube attached to the side of the liner 35, etc.This flexible pathway may be used during evacuation of the collectionbag by providing a straw-type communication with the lower contents ofthe bag. In this embodiment, the waste collected in the liquidcollection bag may be evacuated from the lower portion of the bag usingthe flexible pathway. As the bag is evacuated, the flexible linercollapses in a controlled manner.

The flexible pathway may be used to evacuate the entire contents of theliquid collection bag. The flexible pathway may also be used inconnection with another disposal source. For example, during evacuationthrough a disposal port in the lid of the liquid collection bag 30, thesides of the liner 35 may collapse together preventing liquid in thelower portion of the liner 35 from being evacuated. A disposal suctionsource may be applied to the flexible pathway to access the trappedliquid in the lower portion of the liner 35. This disposal suctionsource may be applied at the same time as a suction source is appliedthrough the disposal port in the lid, or the suction source may beapplied to the flexible pathway at the end of an evacuation process,after a suction source has been applied to the disposal port in the lid.

At least the front portion of the main body 12 may comprise atransparent or translucent material that allows visualization of theliquid being collected in the collection bag 30. In some exemplaryimplementations, the front portion of the main body 12, the liner 35and/or the cylindrical body 86, may include gradation marks 36 toindicate the amount of liquid being collected in the collection bag 30,as shown in FIG. 1.

The lid 31 may include one or more collection ports 32 configured toconnect to various medical devices/instruments that draw liquid into (orextract liquid from) the collection bag 30. The collection ports 32 mayhave various different sizes and shapes to accommodate various medicaldevices that may be used with the system 10. The lid 31 may also includea vacuum port 33 (see FIG. 8) for connecting to the vacuum pump 44 tosupply suction force to the interior space of the collection bag 30.

In an exemplary implementation, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the lid 31 mayalso include a back-up vacuum port 34 for connecting to a back-upstorage container 20 in case the collection bag 30 becomes full orinoperable during a liquid collection process. The back-up vacuum port34 may be in communication with the vacuum port 33, such that the vacuumpressure supplied by the vacuum pump 44 can also supply vacuum pressureto the back-up storage container 20 via the backup vacuum port 34.Alternatively, the backup vacuum port 34 may be in communication with analternate source of vacuum pressure (e.g., wall vacuum in a hospitalsetting). Alternatively or additionally, the backup storage container 20may be connected to one or more of the collection ports 32 using, forexample, conventional tubing so as to supply vacuum pressure to thebackup storage container 20. In some alternative variations, the backupvacuum port 34 may be located on the main body 12, rather than on thelid 31, and connected either to the vacuum pump 44 or an alternatesource of suction force. The operation of the back-up storage container20 will be explained in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 9 and10.

The lid 31 may also include a discharge port 38 for evacuating thecollected liquid from the collection bag 30, such as after a medicalprocedure is completed. In an alternative variation, the lid 31 may nothave any separate discharge port 38. Instead, one or more of thecollection ports 32 may be used to empty the collection bag 30.

As mentioned above, the main body 12 defines a cavity 15 configured toreceive the liquid collection bag 30. The cavity 15 may have varioussizes and shapes. By way of example only, the cavity 15 may have avolume of approximately 12 L, 15 L, 20 L, etc. Alternatively, even verysmall volume bags 30 could be used. When having a relatively largevolume, the liquid collection bag 30 may be used continuously overmultiple medical procedures without emptying the collection bag 30.

In certain variations, the cavity 15 may be provided with an interfaceconnector to facilitate engagement of the top portion of the cavity 11with the lid of a liquid collection bag in a manner so as to enhancesealing therebetween. The interface connector may comprise a flexiblematerial, such as a polymer, elastomer, or rubber. The interfaceconnector may include an annular member configured to removably engagewith the top portion 11 of the cavity 15. For example, the top portion11 of the cylindrical body 15 may include a flange extendingcircumferentially along its external side wall, and the interfaceconnector may have a corresponding snap-on structure configured toengage the flange.

A lid may include a rigid rib configured to contact the seal flap 8 whenthe lid is inserted into the top opening of the cavity 15. As the lid isinserted, the rigid rib may press down on a surface of the seal flap,causing the seal flap to resiliently deform from an unstressed state toa stressed state. At this stressed state, the seal flap exerts acounteracting force against the rigid rib 564, which enhances thesealing effect between the lid and the receptacle. To further enhancethe sealing effect, the interface connector may include a pressure ribextending from its top surface to contact with a bottom surface of theperipheral edge of the lid.

The collection bag 30 may be delivered to the medical facility in itsfully-collapsed state, as shown in FIG. 4. The collapsibility of thecollection bag 30 into a smaller volume may reduce not only the volumeof the medical waste generated, but also the storage area required tostore the collection bags 30 prior to their use. For example, in anexemplary implementation, instead of storing the collection bags 30 in aseparate storage location, they may be stored inside the storage space16 of the main body 12 for convenient access. Alternatively, theexterior of the main body 12 may have one or more attachment members towhich extra collection bags 30 may be secured or otherwise attached.

During use, the liner 35 is extended to receive fluid, as shown in FIG.5. As will be explained in detail herein, while the collection bag 30 isbeing emptied, the liner 35 may collapse again into a state that issubstantially similar to its original fully-collapsed state. After anacceptable quantity of liquid is removed from the collection bag 30, itmay be removed for disposal in its near-collapsed state.

To begin a liquid collection process, the collection bag 30 ispositioned, in its collapsed state, on the mouth portion 11 of thecavity 15, as shown in FIG. 6. An unused, collapsed liquid collectionbag may include a holding mechanism such as a strap or band that assistsin maintaining the liner portion of the collection bag in a suitablecollapsed position. This holding mechanism assists in maintaining theflexible liner in a suitable collapsed position and holds the flexibleliner away from any seals on the lid. This feature allows the bag to beeasily positioned at the mouth portion 11 of the cavity 15 and assistsin preventing the flexible liner from being pinched between a seal onthe lid and the mouth portion 11 of the cavity. The holding mechanismmay be configured of a breakable material that breaks, for example, whensuction pressure is applied to expand the bag into the interior of thecavity, or as collected liquid expands the bag. Thus, a user does notneed to break the band prior to placing the collection bag 30 on themouth portion 11 of the cavity 15. The holding mechanism may comprise,for example, paper, plastic, or other suitable material. Once positionedin place, the lid 31 of the collection bag 30 may sealingly engage themouth portion 11 of the cavity 15, so as to form a substantiallyair-tight enclosure inside the cavity 15 and exterior to the collectionbag 30. FIGS. 7( a-c) show various features of an exemplary fluidcollection system, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a fluid collection and disposal sequence, accordingto exemplary aspects of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, thecavity 15 may include three vacuum connectors: a first connector 62, asecond connector 64, and a third connector 66, each of which may beconnected to a vacuum pump 44 positioned at the lower portion of themain body 12, or alternatively may be connected to an external source ofsuction pressure. As discussed above, a filter (e.g., filter 70 shown inFIGS. 6-8) may be disposed between the vacuum pump 44 and at least oneof those three vacuum connectors. When the collection bag 30 is placedin the cavity 15, the vacuum port 33 of the lid 31 may automaticallyconnect to the first connector 62, so as to supply suction force to theinterior space of the collection bag 30. This suction force, in turn, iscommunicated to the collection ports 32. Each of the vacuum connectors62, 64, 66 may include a suitable valve to selectively open and closecommunication with the vacuum pump 44 or to an alternate source ofvacuum pressure. In some exemplary variations, the valve associated withthe third connector 66 may comprise a three-way valve that canselectively establish fluid communication between the cavity 15(exterior to the bag 30) and atmosphere. As will be explained in greaterdetail below, this valve arrangement may allow the pressure inside thecavity 15 to reach atmospheric pressure during an evacuation process, soas not to interfere with the collapsing of the liner 35. Alternatively,the second connector 64 may be open to vacuum pressure or may be closedoff entirely, so as to provide selective regulation of air pressurewithin the cavity 15 exterior to the collection bag 30.

The collection bag 30 may also include various valves associated withthe collection ports 32 and the discharge port 38. The collection bag 30may also include an overflow valve associated with the vacuum port 33.As will be discussed in greater detail herein, the overflow valve may beconfigured to close a passageway leading to the vacuum port 33 when theliquid level reaches the elevational position of the overflow valve orwhen the liquid level reaches some preselected cutoff elevationalposition spaced below the overflow valve by some distance. In addition,a sensor may be provided to detect when the level of the liquid hasreached a preselected position, upon which the sensor may then providevisual and/or audio feedback to the operator to indicate that the levelof liquid within the collection bag 30 is nearing the overflow valveposition. These valves associated with the collection ports 32,discharge port 38, and vacuum port 33 are schematically shown in FIG. 12with circles adjacent the corresponding ports. Solid circles representclosed valves, and open circles represent open valves.

Once the collection bag 30 is positioned within the cavity 15, the thirdconnector 66 is opened to a suction force so as to be in fluid and/orpressure communication with the interior space of the cavity 15 externalto the liner 35, thereby expanding the liner 35 into the cavity 15, asshown in FIG. 8(B). At this stage, although the figure shows thecollection ports 32 to be closed, at least one of the collection ports32 and the discharge port 38 may be opened to allow air flow into thecollection bag 30. This action draws the liner 35 into the cavity 15without distorting the shape of the bag 30. Alternatively, some othervent may be provided, so as to allow ambient air to enter the interiorspace of the liner 35 as the liner is drawn down into the cavity 15. Todraw the liner 35 into the cavity, the liner 35 may include a sealingmember 39 (e.g., one or more sealing rings) positioned adjacent itsbottom end.

In some exemplary variations, the sealing member may include a moresubstantial structure, such as a molded plastic disc with sealing rings,as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on Mar.24, 2008, titled FLUID COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM AND RELATEDMETHODS. The sealing member 39 provides a substantially fluid-tight sealbetween the liner 35 and the surface defining the cavity 15. In analternative implementation, the liner 35 may not be drawn into thebottom portion of the cavity 15 prior to receiving the liquid. Instead,as the liquid is being collected, the weight of the liquid may cause theliner 35 to expand into the cavity 15. Although the second connector 64is shown in the figures to be located at a position vertically below thelowermost end of the collection bag 30, as shown in FIG. 12, it will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the second connector64 may selectively not be opened to atmosphere until the lowermost endof the collection bag 30 is positioned vertically below the elevationalposition of the second connector 64.

Once the liner 35 is drawn into the cavity 15, communication with thefirst connector 62 is opened so as to supply suction force into theinterior space of the collection bag 30 and, in turn, via the collectionbag 30 to the collection ports 32. One or more medical devices, such asa suction catheter or a patient tubing, may be connected to thecollection ports 32 to draw liquid into the collection bag 30, as shownin FIG. 8(C). At this stage, the collection ports 32 may open to allowliquid to flow through the collection ports 32. During this liquidcollection process, the second connector 64 may be opened tocounterbalance the vacuum force applied to the interior space of thecollection bag 30, so that the liner 35 may substantially maintain itsnormal shape. That is, opening the second connector 64 to a suctionforce thereby prevents the liner 35 from being drawn back up towards thelid 31 under the influence of the negative pressure within the interiorspace of the collection bag 30.

When the collection bag 30 is full and/or otherwise needs to be emptied,the collection system 10 may be transported to a disposal station toextract the collected liquid out of the collection bag 30, as shown inFIG. 8(D). At this stage, the collection ports 32 are closed, and thedischarge port 38 is opened. As mentioned above, as the collected liquidis drawn out of the collection bag 30, the second connector 64 is closedand the third connector 66 may communicate with atmosphere to increasethe pressure inside the cavity 15 to atmospheric pressure. Maintainingthe pressure inside the cavity 15 at atmospheric pressure may provide asufficient pressure difference between the cavity 15 and the interiorspace of the collection bag 30, such that the liner 35 may collapseitself towards the lid 31 as the collected liquid is drawn out of thecollection bag 30.

After an acceptable quantity of the collected liquid is removed from thecollection bag 30, the liner 35 may return to a collapsed state, asshown in FIG. 8(E). For practical purposes, it may be sufficient for theliner 35 to compact itself enough so as to make subsequent handling anddisposal thereof more efficient.

After the collected liquid is substantially removed from the collectionbag 30, the valves associated with the collection ports 32, thedischarge port 38, and the overflow valve are closed sufficiently toinhibit air from flowing into the interior space of the collection bag30. Minimizing the amount of air flow into the collection bag 30 allowsthe collection bag 30 to remain in a substantially collapsed state fordisposal. That is, large quantities of air will not be allowed to leakback into the interior space of the bag 30 once the vacuum pressure isremoved therefrom. The used collection bag 30 may then be removed fromthe cavity 15 and, for example, placed in a red bag for disposal.Thereafter, a new collection bag 30 may be placed onto the cavity 15 andthe fluid collection process described above may be repeated for thenext series of medical procedures.

An additional safety feature is provided through at least one valve inthe lid of the liquid collection bag 30. Implementations of such a valveare shown, for example, as valve 226 in FIGS. 31-32 and 35. The valvemay be an anti-drip check valve, such as a diaphragm valve, a biasedvalve, a two-way valve, such as any of a number of two-way valvesmanufactured by Liquid Molding Systems, Inc. (LMS) of Midland, Mich.,etc. that also provides an access port to the collection bag. The valveprovides a connection port, wipes the connector as it is removed,thereby preventing drips, and prevents liquid in the liquid collectionvalve from leaking out of the collection bag. For example, after anevacuation process, the valve prevents any remaining liquid in thecollection bag from exiting the bag. Thus, a technician or other personinvolved in use of the system, including disposal of the liquidcollection bag, is further protected from contact with the wastematerial collected in the liquid collection bag.

In certain circumstances, the collection bag 30 may become full ortemporarily inoperable during a liquid collection process. To mitigatethe negative effect this condition may have on a medical procedure, aback-up storage container 26 may be provided to temporarily store theliquid waste without interrupting the medical procedure, as shown inFIG. 1. In the exemplary variation shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the storagecontainer 20 may have a frustoconical, generally tapering cylindricalbody 26 and a cap 25 configured to close the top opening of the body 26in a leak-tight manner. By way of example only, the storage container 20may have a volume of approximately 3 L. Of course, the storage container20 may have any other suitable shapes and sizes. The body 26 of thestorage container 20 may be made of a material that is sufficientlystrong to withstand the negative pressure applied thereto. In addition,the body 26 may comprise a sufficiently transparent material to allowvisualization of the liquid being collected in the storage container 20.

To engage the storage container 20 with the main body 12, the mountingbracket 18 may be extended laterally from the side surface of the mainbody 18. As shown in FIG. 9, the cylindrical body 26 of the storagecontainer 20 may then be inserted into the opening of the bracket 18 toretain the container 20 in an upright position. In certain variations,cap 25 may include at least two access ports: a vacuum port 23 and oneor more collection ports 27. As shown in FIG. 10, the vacuum port 23 maycommunicate with the back-up vacuum port 34 of the collection bag 30 viaa suitable suction conduit 28, and the collection port 27 maycommunicate with a proximal end of a suitable medical instrumentattached to a collection tube (for the sake of illustration, both thesuction instrument itself and the tubing used to connect to the suctioninstrument will be referred to using reference numeral 29) that isconfigured to draw liquid into the storage container 20. Thisarrangement allows the back-up storage container 20 to function as aseparate, independent suction canister, thereby enabling continuousoperation of the system 10, even when the collection bag 30 is full orinoperable. Sufficient valving and connections may be provided foreither simultaneous operation of the main unit and the storage container20, or independent operations thereof.

Although FIGS. 9-10 show a variation with a vacuum port 34 in the lidthat provides for communication with the back-up storage container 26,in other variations, a vacuum port for the back up storage container maybe provided in other locations on the main body. For example, FIGS. 1,20, 25, and FIGS. 99-101 illustrate variations of a collection containerlid without a vacuum port for a back up storage container. For example,the lid may include an opening 546 configured to provide communicationwith an evacuation source. The opening may include a breakable member544, a two-way check valve 542, and a pin 541, for example. The lid mayalso include an interstitial opening 516 for communicating atmosphericpressure, for example, with an interstitial space between the cavity andliner, wherein the interstitial opening is closed by a breakable member514. The lid may also include a plurality of ports 532, each configuredto communicate with a suction instrument, through which fluid is drawninto the fluid collection container. Each port may include a tetheredcap 132 b. The lid may include a shelf 1910 located between the interioropening of the plurality of ports and the opening communicating with thevacuum source to divert collected fluids away from the vacuum source.The shelf may be shaped to direct entering fluid toward the liner wallsand away from the shut off valve. The lid may also include a screen 1920surrounding the opening to the evacuation opening. The screen may beshaped to prevent solids collected in the fluid from exiting thecollection container during disposal. The lid may also includeadditional features illustrated in FIGS. 99-101.

Among other attachment mechanisms and methods, the liner may be attachedto the lid via hot melt, for example at ridge 1930. Prior to use, theliner may also include a breakable band maintaining the liner in acollapsed position against the lid.

Instead of in the lid, a vacuum connection can be provided for theback-up container, for example, as a port 26 a on the side of liquidcollection system 10, as shown in FIG. 11( a). In this variation, thecommunication between the suction source and the back up storagecontainer 26 bypasses the disposable container 30, allowing the back upstorage container 26 to directly connect to the vacuum source. Port 26 amay be capped or may include a valve, and may be configured to accepttubing or other connecting devices. Bracket 18, which is configured tohold the back up storage container 26, in this exemplary implementationmay also be configured to control the opening/closing of port/valve 26a.

In addition to a separate vacuum port 34 or 26 a, one of the pluralityof ports 32 may provide communication with a back-up storage container26. This enables the back-up container to be further used as a trap orspecimen collection container.

The back-up storage container may be configured to require a manualconnection before use. Alternatively, the back-up storage may beconfigured to automatically collect overflow liquid from the liquidcollection bag once the liquid collection bag has reached its capacity.This automatic arrangement allows the back-up storage container tooperate as an overflow canister rather than an independent canister, asdescribed above. The back-up storage container 20 may also be configuredto be attached to an independent suction source. Although a back-upstorage container without a disposable bag is shown, other embodimentsmay incorporate a disposable liquid collection bag similar to the bag 30used inside the cavity 35 of device 10.

FIGS. 11-16 illustrate additional variations of a back-up storagecontainer. As shown in FIG. 11, the main body 12 of the liquidcollection may include a holder 18 a integrally formed in the side ofthe main body, rather than a bracket that folds out from the side of themain body.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate a back up container 26 a configured to attachover the liquid collection container 30. This variation accepts themanifold from the liquid collection container 30. This feature removesthe need to unplug and replug tubing and suction instruments. FIG. 13illustrates an implementation in which the main body 12 is configured toaccept the back-up storage container 26 a in a compartment. Thisvariation is shown as a rectangular, drawer type back-up container thathas the appearance of a drawer when placed in the compartment in themain body.

FIGS. 15-16 illustrate a main body configured to receive a back upstorage container 26 b in a groove 2701 in the exterior of the main body12. The back up storage container 26 b has a shape corresponding to thegroove 2701 in the main body, and is configured to have a face flushwith the external of the main body 12. The back up storage containercommunicates with at least one port 27 b configured to communicate witha suction instrument, for example, via tubing 29 b. This communicationmay be made via a lid on the back-up storage container, or via amanifold attached to the main body 12 In addition, the main body mayinclude an inset space 2700 providing access to reach and replace theback-up storage container 26 b.

FIGS. 17-21 illustrate another exemplary variation of a collection bag130, according to one aspect of the present invention. This variation isdifferent from the previous implementations shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-8, inthat it includes a removable hose junction 134 and a safety valve 142,144 that operates in connection with the hose junction 134. As shown inFIG. 17, the collection bag 130 includes a lid 131 and a liner 135attached to the lid 131 to form a substantially sealed interior spacetherebetween. The liner 135 is substantially similar to the liner 35 ofthe variation described above and, therefore, a detailed descriptionthereof is omitted herein.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the lid 131 includes a hose junction 134removably engageable with a slot 136, located at the top of the lid 131.The hose junction 134 may include a latch 137 having a hook portionconfigured to releasably engage a corresponding indentation 138 formedinside the slot 136. When the hose junction 134 is pushed into the slot136, the hook portion of the latch 137 engages the indentation 138,shown in FIG. 21, thereby securely attaching the hose junction 134 ontothe lid 131. The hook portion may be sufficiently flexible to allowslight deflection when engaging the indentation 138. To remove the hosejunction 134, the latch 137 may be depressed, for example, so as torelease the hook portion from the indentation 138. Of course, otherconventional methods of removably securing the hose junction 134 to thelid 131 may be employed. The lid 131 may also include a hand grip 133 tofacilitate handling of the collection bag 130, as shown in FIG. 19.

The hose junction 134 carries one or more collection ports 132, eachconfigured to mate with one or more suction devices by way of suctiontubings for the purpose of drawing liquid into the collection bag 130.Because the hose junction 134 provides a plurality of collection ports132, a single collection bag 130 may be used to collect liquidsimultaneously from multiple suction instruments or other devices(interchangeably referred to herein as “suction instruments”) by way ofsuction tubings for the purpose of drawing liquid into the collectionbag 130. Because the hose junction 134 provides a plurality ofcollection ports 132, a single collection bag 130 may be used to collectliquid simultaneously from multiple suction instruments. As best shownin FIGS. 20 and 21, the hose junction 134 defines one or more fluidpassageways 141 via which liquid is transported from the individual (ormultiple) suction instruments to the interior space of the collectionbag 130. Thus, the hose junction 134 may function as an interfacebetween the collection bag 130 and the suction instruments and tubingsused to collect liquid in the collection bag 130. In addition, the hosejunction 134 may include suitable valves (e.g., duckbill valves, checkvalves, spring loaded plungers) to prevent, or at least minimize, liquiddripping while the suction instruments and tubings are disconnected fromthe collection bag 130 and disposed of in a suitable disposal container(e.g., a red bag). Thus, the hose junction 134 may reduce the risk ofthe clinicians' exposure to potentially hazardous materials.

Each of the collection ports 132 may be covered with a flap 132 a, whichcloses the respective collection port 132 when not in use. The flaps 132a may be spring-loaded or otherwise biased such that, when the suctiondevices and tubings are disconnected from the collection ports 132, theflaps 132 a may automatically close the collection ports 132. The flaps132 a may include conventional sealing members so as to define asubstantially fluid-tight seal when the flap 132 a covers its respectivecollection port 132. Alternatively, conventional caps or plugs may befrictionally positioned relative to the open ends of the collectionports 132. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the collection ports 132may include a tethered cap 132 b. Alternatively, flaps 132 a may bebiased to remain in an open position until an operator manually closesthem, relative to the collection ports 132. Alternatively still,collection ports 132 may be closed by other devices, such as plugs thatare sized and configured to frictionally engage the respective ports132, in which case, the plugs may be tethered to any portion of the lid131 (e.g. via a resilient, integrally-molded connector).

The hose junction 134 may enable an easier, cleaner, and faster disposalprocess since various suction instruments and tubings can bedisconnected at once by removing the hose junction 134. Theseinstruments and tubings then can be disposed of with, and whileconnected to, the hose junction 134. That is, multiple instruments maybe connected in parallel to one another and to the hose junction 134,such that each instrument is connected to the hose junction 134 with itsown tubing. Detaching the hose junction 134 from the lid 131 then allowsfor all of the attached instruments (and their individual connectiontubes) to be disposed of together without individually detaching eachmedical instrument from the hose junction 134, such as would be requiredwith conventional suction/irrigation devices. Because the hose junction134 and the lid 131 may include a non-drip or low-drip valve 142, 144(as described in greater detail below), such an arrangement minimizesthe risk of drippage occurring when the hose junction is disengagedand/or disassembled following a medical procedure.

The lid 131 may also include a non-drip valve 142, 144 to prevent anydripping or splashing of liquid from the interior space of thecollection bag 130 when the hose junction 134 is removed from the lid131. For example, in the exemplary variation shown in FIG. 20, the lid131 may include two separate components: an upper lid 131 a and a lowerlid 131 b. As shown in FIG. 20, the upper lid 131 a defines an inletopening 139 located at the bottom of the slot 136. The opening 139 isconfigured to communicate with the individual fluid passageways 141 ofthe collection ports 132 provided in the hose junction 134. In analternative arrangement, the inlet opening 139′ may be formed on a sidesurface of the slot 136, as shown in FIG. 19. To facilitate afluid-tight connection between the fluid passageways 141 and the inletopening 139, 139′, at least one of the fluid passageways 141 and theinlet opening 139, 139′ may include a suitable sealing member, such as asealing ring to provide a sealing fit between the hose junction 134 andthe upper lid 131 a.

The lower lid 131 b defines a valve housing 145 configured to receivethe valve 142, 144. The housing 145 defines an opening (e.g., located atits bottom end), which extends into and is open to the interior space ofthe collection bag 130. The valve 142, 144 may be interposed between theupper lid 131 a and the lower lid 131 b. The valve 142, 144 may be inthe form of a spring-loaded or otherwise suitably biased plunger. Thespring 144 may be seated in the housing 145 and the plunger 142depressed against the inlet opening 139 to close the opening 139, forexample. The hose junction 134 may include a projection 143 such that,when the projection 143 engages the slot 136, the projection 143displaces the plunger 142, thereby establishing fluid communication viaopening 139 between the fluid passageway 141 of the hose junction 134and the interior space of the collection bag 130. Conversely, when thehose junction 134 is removed from the slot 136, the projection 143releases the plunger 142, and the plunger 142 returns to its biasedposition to close opening 139. It should be understood that, instead ofthe spring-loaded plunger 142, 144, any other suitable valve mechanismmay be employed. For example, the positioning of the spring 142 and theplunger 144 may be inverted, and these features placed within the tubejunction 134, rather than in the lid 131. Alternatively, a ball or flapmay be substituted for the plunger 144. In some exemplaryimplementations, elastomeric or other self-sealing valves may be used.

The lid 131 may also include an overflow valve 146 positioned in avacuum passageway 149 defined by the upper lid 131 a and the lower lid131 b, as shown in FIG. 21. In an exemplary variation, the overflowvalve 146 may comprise a floating check valve or a hydrophilic valve,such as described below. As the liquid level in the collection bag 130reaches the elevational position of the valve 146, the valve 146 risesto close the vacuum passageway 149 thereby preventing the liquid fromflowing into the vacuum pump 44. In this manner, the overflow valve 146may form part of an auto shut-off feature that prevents filling of thebag 130 beyond its capacity or beyond reasonable safety limits. AlthoughFIG. 21 depicts the elevational position of the overflow valve 146 asbeing vertically above the elevational position of the valve 142, 144,one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the overflow valve146 may be placed at an elevational position below that of the valve142, 144.

According to other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the lid530 may be integrally formed (e.g., molded) as a single piece, as shownin FIGS. 22-24. Forming the lid 530 as a single piece may lower themanufacturing cost and also simplify the fluid collection process byeliminating the need for a removable hose junction 134, described abovewith reference to FIGS. 17-21.

The lid 530 illustrated in FIGS. 22-24 differs from the lids 31, 131depicted in FIGS. 9-12 and 15-19, in that, among other things, itincludes a breakable closure member 544 (e.g., a foil, plastic film,rubber) for closing an evacuation port 546 of the lid 530, as shown inFIG. 24. FIG. 25 shows a variation of the lid for a liquid collectionbag in which the exterior of the passageway providing communicationbetween the liquid collection bag 30 and the suction source 559 isconfigured as a gripping member 501 on the exterior of the disposablelid. This gripping member 501 provides an area removed from thecollection ports 532 and from the disposal port 546 by which a user cangrip the disposable lid to attach and remove the disposable lid. Thisgripping member 501 both enhances the ease of installation and removalof the liquid collection bag, while allowing the user to avoid contactwith the port areas through which waste material is collected andevacuated.

Unlike the collection ports 32 shown in FIG. 4-8, and the inlet openings139, 139′ of the embodiments shown in 18-19, which are used to bothcollect and remove liquid for the collection bag 30, 130, the evacuationport 546 of FIGS. 22-24 is not used during liquid collection operationand remains sealed by the closure member 544 until the collection bag isfull and/or otherwise needs to be emptied. Structural features of theevacuation port 546 and operational characteristics associated with adisposal station (herein referred to interchangeably as a “dockingstation”). Although one variation described herein refers to a breakableclosure member, such as foil, other sealing mechanisms may be used inplace thereof. For example, a sliding or pivoting door may be configuredto rest over the evacuation port 546 when access thereto is notrequired, and further configured to move away therefrom, either manuallyor automatedly, when access to the evacuation port 546 is desired.

The lid 530 of FIGS. 22-24 also differs from the lids 30, 130 of FIGS.4-8 and 17-21, in that it forms an interstitial opening 516 in the lid530 for supplying a source of suction pressure (e.g., see the eductor350 shown in FIGS. 33, 34, and 39) to a space between the rigidreceptacle defining a cavity and the collection bag during an evacuationprocess. The source of suction pressure may be used to equalize thepressures inside and outside of the collection bag during an evacuationprocess, so that the collection bag may substantially maintain itsnormal shape during that process. The interstitial opening 516, like theevacuation port 546, is closed off during the liquid collection processby a breakable closure member 514.

In the suction pressure shown in FIG. 22-24, the lid 530 defines avacuum passageway 550 having a U-shaped configuration. The first end 551communicates with an interior space of the collection bag, and thesecond end 559 communicates with a vacuum source. Near the first end 551of the vacuum passageway 550, in one exemplary suction pressure the lid530 includes an overflow valve having a floating ball 555 housed in acage-like structure 558. Other exemplary lids 530 may include ahydrophilic valve such as a porous plastic valve (PPV), as shown anddescribed in connection with FIGS. 29-35. The PPV or other hydrophilicvalve comprises a hydrophilic material that blocks the pores of thematerial, for example using surface tension, and thereby prevents liquidfrom flowing past the material. A similar valve is shown as element 238and described in connection with FIGS. 29-35. When the liquid level inthe collection bag reaches the elevational position of the floating ball555, the ball 555 rises along the longitudinal axis of the cage-likestructure 558, thereby closing the first end 551 of the vacuumpassageway 550. The operational characteristics of the floating ball 555are substantially similar to those of the overflow valve 146 of FIGS. 20and 21 and, therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein.

FIG. 98 shows a block diagram of a liquid collection system 800,illustrating various components and corresponding operationalcharacteristics, according to certain exemplary aspects of the presentinvention. Many features applicable to the illustrated system 800 havebeen already described in detail above. The liquid collection system 800includes a controller 810 for controlling operation of variouscomponents of the system 800. For example, the controller 810 mayinclude a motor controller 820 configured to control the vacuum pump860. The motor controller 820 may be coupled to an interface board 830configured to display the status of the system 800 and/or provide aninput signal to the motor controller 820 for controlling variouscomponents of the system 800. For example, the interface board 830 mayinclude a selection button 834 for controlling the power supply to thesystem 800 and a vacuum regulator 836 (e.g., variable control knob) forregulating the vacuum level created by the vacuum pump 860. Theinterface board 830 may also include one or more visual or audibleindicators 833, 835, 837 for providing various information relating tooperational characteristics and/or status of the system 800. Forexample, the one or more indicators may include a vacuum level indicator833 (e.g., a Light Emitting Diode “LED” light bar), light indicators 835for indicating whether the filter needs to be replaced and/or whetherthe storage bag is almost full. Audible alarms 837 may also provideaudio warnings or indicators of the status of the system 800. The audiowarnings or indications provided by the audible alarms 837 may beredundant to, or independent from, those provided by the visualindicators 833, 835. The interface board 830 may also include a switch839 (e.g., toggle key) for disabling the audible alarms 837. Theinterface board 830 may be powered by an isolated power supply 832(e.g., a battery).

The system 800 may include a filter unit 870 disposed between the vacuumpump 860 and various components requiring connection to the vacuum pump860. As mentioned above, the filter unit 870 may include a filter madeof a hydrophobic material, so as to function as a safety shutoff valve.For example, an overflow shutoff valve 851 in the collection bag 855 maymalfunction when the liquid collection bag 855 is full, causing theliquid collected in the bag 855 to flow into the filter unit 870 throughthe first suction line 879 a. Also, the liquid collection bag 855 may bedefective, causing leakage of liquid collected therein to flow into thecavity 856. The leaked liquid in the cavity 856 may flow into the filterunit 870 via the interstitial line 898, the base vacuum line 899, andthe second suction line 879 b, for example. When the liquid enters thefilter unit 870 and makes contact with the filter, the hydrophobicmaterial blocks the pores of the filter, for example using surfacetension, and shuts off the filter unit 870, thereby preventing theliquid from flowing to the vacuum pump 860.

The system 800 may also include one or more additional safety features.For example, the system 800 may include an optional fluid trap 890disposed between the filter unit 870 and the interstitial and base lines898, 899 shown in FIG. 98. The system may also include a fluid trap or avacuum check valve located between the vacuum pump 860 and the HEPAhousing 870. The optional fluid trap 890 may operate under a similarprinciple to that of the overflow valves 146, 555 disposed inside theliquid collection bag. For example, FIGS. 26 and 26( a) illustrateexemplary variations of a fluid trap 890, according to exemplary aspectsof the present invention. The fluid trap 890 may include a container 895defining an internal volume in fluid communication with one or moreinlets (e.g., the interstitial and base lines 898, 899 connected to thecavity 856) and an outlet (e.g., the second suction line 879 b leadingto the filter unit 870). The container 895 may include a removable cap897, to which the one or more inlets and the outlet may be secured.Although the interstitial line 898 is shown in the figure branch outfrom the base line 899, the interstitial line 898 may alternately beseparately and independently connected to the container 895. Thecontainer 895 may include a conduit 893 (e.g., a tube) extending fromthe outlet 879 b into the container 895, with a PPV or other hydrophilicvalve 894′ or floating ball 894 (e.g., a polypropylene ball) beingattached to or otherwise interacting with the conduit 893. The floatingball 894 rises inside the conduit 893 as the liquid level inside thecontainer 895 rises. When the liquid level rises above the top of theconduit 893, the floating ball 894 presses against the opening 892defined by the top of the conduit 893, thereby shutting off the outlet879 b leading to the filter unit 870. To ensure a tight seal between thefloating ball 894 and the opening 892, an O-ring 891 may be provided inthe opening 892. The PPV or other hydrophilic valve comprises ahydrophilic material that blocks the pores of the material, for exampleusing surface tension, and thereby prevents liquid from flowing past thematerial. A similar valve is shown as element 238 and described inconnection with FIGS. 29-35. By way of example only, the container 895may have a volume of about 16 oz.

The system 800 may also include an emergency backup tube 879 c, which isnormally closed by an end cap or valve. The backup tube 879 c may beconfigured to connect to an alternate source of suction force 840 (e.g.,a wall vacuum), such that, when the vacuum pump 860 becomes inoperableor otherwise unavailable, for example, or when the filter unit 870 shutsoff, the system 800 can continue to operate with the alternate source ofsuction force, without interrupting an on-going medical procedure. Inaddition, the backup tube 879 c may function as a vacuum supply line fora backup storage container. For example, when the collection bag 855becomes full or temporarily inoperable during a liquid collectionprocess, the backup tube 879 c may be connected to a backup storagecontainer to supply suction force to the storage container, so that thestorage container may function as a suction canister to temporarilystore the liquid being collecting during the liquid collection process.

Once the collection bag 30, 130 is full or otherwise needs to beemptied, the portable liquid collection system 10 may be transported toa disposal station by, for example a clinician 170 to evacuate thecollected liquid from the collection bag 30, 130, as shown in FIG. 27.Although evacuation of the collection bag 30, 130 is not necessary fordisposal thereof (e.g., a filled collection bag 30, 130 may be disposedof with liquid still present within the interior space thereof), oneaspect of the present invention allows for the evacuation of thecollection bag 30, 130 to reduce the volume of red-bag waste produced bydisposal thereof.

In some exemplary variations, the disposal station may comprise adocking station 180 having a fluid connector configured to automatically(or manually) connect to the discharge port 38 (for the implementationshown in FIG. 1), the inlet port 139, 139′ (for the variations shown inFIGS. 17-21), or the evacuation port 546 (for the embodiment shown inFIGS. 22-24) of the collection bag 30, 130. For the variations shown inFIGS. 18-19, prior to engaging the system 10 into the docking station180, the hose junction 134 may be removed. The docking station 180 mayinclude a suitable indicator 185 for indicating that the collectionsystem 10 is properly engaged and/or the evacuation process is beingperformed.

The interface board may include a light indicating a connection to apower source and a visual indication that the disposal station is inuse. The interface board may also include a switch that allowstermination of the evacuation cycle. The button may stop the cyclecompletely or only temporarily.

To evacuate the collected liquid from the collection bag 30, 130, insome exemplary embodiments, the docking station 180 may utilize aneductor of the type described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2005/0183780, entitled “Method and Apparatus for the Disposal of WasteFluids” and published on Aug. 25, 2005, the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively or additionally, thedisposal station may include a movable connector (not shown) that can bemanually connected to the collection bag 30, 130 to evacuate thecollected liquid therefrom.

FIGS. 29-35 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a liquidcollection and disposal system. As shown in FIG. 29, the system includesa liquid collection bag 230 and a rigid container 215 configured toreceive the collection bag 230. The collection bag 230 may include a lid231 and a collapsible liner 235 attached to the inner surface of the lid231 to form a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. When thecollection bag 230 is placed on the top of the rigid container 215, thelid 231 may substantially seal the opening of the container 215. Asshown in FIG. 29, the collection bag 230 may include a suction conduit233 for connecting the interior space of the collection bag 230 to asuitable suction source (e.g., vacuum pump 44 shown in FIG. 1). Thesuction conduit 233 may be arranged such that, when the collection bag230 is placed on the container 215, the suction conduit 233automatically connects to the suction source, although the suctionsource may be configured to be manually connected to the suction conduit215 by the operator.

The collection bag 230 may include a suction shutoff device 238positioned at one end of the suction conduit 233. As will be describedin more detail, the shutoff device 238 may close the suction conduit 233when the liquid level inside the collection bag 235 reaches apredetermined level, so as to prevent the collected liquid from flowinginto the suction source. In one exemplary embodiment, the shutoff device238 may comprise a filter that prevents liquid from passingtherethrough, which may be, for example, similar to the device 894′shown in FIG. 26( a). The filter may be positioned at a proximal end ofthe suction conduit 233, located inside the collection bag 230, suchthat, when the liquid level in the collection bag 230 rises to thefilter and submerges the filter, the filter may close the suctionconduit 233, thereby shutting off the supply of suction force andterminating the liquid collection process. The shutoff device 238 mayinclude a hydrophilic material, which may swell and seal the suctionconduit 233 upon contact with liquid. The hydrophilic material may bepositioned inside a sleeve structure. This structure not only protectsthe shut off device from prematurely coming in contact with fluid, butalso increases the rate of shut off when the liquid level raises to comein contact with the bottom of the sleeve. In certain implementations,the shutoff device may comprise a buoyant article (which may be coatedor otherwise covered with a hydrophilic material) disposed within a cageextending from the lid, such that the buoyant article may close off thesuction conduit when the level of the liquid rises beyond an acceptableelevational position.

The lid 231 may define an access port 220 normally closed by a flexiblevalve 226, such as an elastic slit valve. As will be described in moredetail later, the access port 220 may be configured to receive a hosejunction 240 and an evacuation connector 340. When the hose junction 240or the evacuation connector 340 is inserted into the access port 220,the flexible valve 226 may be deflected to open the access port 220. Theaccess port 220 may also include an actuation rod or pin 224 to open avalve associated with the hose junction 240 and/or the evacuationconnector 340, which will also be described in more detail herein.

The rigid container 215 may have an elongate tubular shape. The rigidcontainer 215 may constitute the cavity 15 of the liquid collectionsystem 10 described above. The container 215 may include a piston 280(much like a syringe) slidably positioned inside the container 215. Thepiston 280 may include one or more sealing members, such as O-rings 283attached to an outer peripheral edge of the piston 280. Thus, the piston280 may separate the internal space of the container 215 into an upperspace 281 and a lower space 289. The piston 280 may also include apiston scraper 285 to prevent the liner 235 from being pinched betweenthe inner wall of the container 215 and the piston 280 during a pistonmovement. The O-rings 283 and the piston scraper 285 may be coated witha suitable material (e.g., parylene) to enhance lubricity and/ordurability.

The piston 280 may include a through-hole 284 in the middle portion,which enables a vacuum communication between the upper space 281 and thelower space 289. The through-hole 284 thus supplies a vacuum force intothe upper space 281, which may counterbalance vacuum force appliedinside the interior space of the collection bag 230 to prevent collapseof the liner 235 during a liquid collection stage. The piston 280 mayinclude a check valve 286 positioned inside the through-hole 284. Thecheck valve 286 is biased against an opening of the through-hole 284 bya spring 288 to normally close the through-hole 284. In some exemplaryvariations, the check valve 286 may be disposed in a modular check valveinsert, which may be inserted into the through-hole 284.

The container 215 may also include a stopper 290 that interacts with thepiston scraper 285 near the top of the container 215, as shown in FIG.36. In addition to stopper 290, the container may further include apinch prevention mechanism 291 that prevents the collection bag frombeing caught between the piston scraper 285 and stopper 290 as thepiston moves upward during evacuation of the collection bag. Onevariation of the pinch prevention mechanism may include a flexiblecollar 291 located between the inner walls of the container 215. Forexample, if the container is cylindrical, the flexible collar mayinclude a flexible cylindrically shaped collar. The flexible collar 291may include grooves 292, as shown in FIG. 36, and may comprise aflexible material such as plastic or rubber. As the piston 280 moves upin the container, the flexible collar 291 flexes toward the interior ofthe container and compressibly pushes the collection bag 235 away fromthe walls of the container, while closing the grooves therein as shownin FIG. 37. This prevents the collection bag from being caught betweenthe piston scraper 285 and the stopper 290, as the bag collapses duringdisposal.

As shown in FIG. 29, the container 215 may include an optional three-wayvalve 265 to selectively connect the lower space 289 to either a vacuumsource or atmosphere. The container 215 may also be configured withoutthe optional three-way valve, for example when the vacuum source isvented. For example, the three-way valve 265 may have three connections:a first connection 262 communicating with the lower space 289; a secondconnection 264 communicating with atmosphere; and a third connection 268communicating with a suction source. The operational characteristics ofthe three-way valve 265 will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 30-34. The container 215 may also include a stopper 270 near itsbottom, as shown in FIG. 29, to prevent the piston 280 from descendingbelow the level of the first connection 262. Alternately, valve 265 maybe eliminated, for example, when reverse venting (to atmosphere) mightbe accomplished naturally, for example, when the pump (not shown) isturned off.

As shown in FIG. 29, the piston 280 is initially positioned near the topof the container 215 to receive the collection bag 230. After thecollection bag 230 is emplaced, in its collapsed state, within thecontainer 215, the hose junction 240 may be inserted into the accessport 220, as shown in FIG. 30. The hose junction 240 is similar to thehose junction 134 shown in FIGS. 17, 18, 20, and 21, except that itincludes a normally-closed valve 249 (e.g., a duckbill valve, a checkvalve, a spring-loaded valve, a poppet valve) to open and close itsfluid passageway 245. The valve 249 may be opened from itsnormally-closed position by the actuator pin 224 positioned inside theaccess port 220. That is, upon insertion into the access port 220, theactuator pin 224 pushes the valve 249 so as to open the passageway 245.The hose junction 240 may be inserted in the access port 220 before thecollection bag 230 is placed onto the container 215.

Once the collection bag 230 is placed in the container 215 and the hosejunction 240 is securely positioned in the access port 220 of thecollection bag 230, the three-way valve 265 may be rotated to align thefirst connection 262 with the third connection 268 to communicate suchpressure within the lower space 289. The suction pressure applied to thelower space 289 draws the piston 280 down into the container 215, whichin turn draws the liner 235 into the cavity, as shown FIG. 31. In onevariation, the interior space of the liner 235 is open to atmosphere (oris under some pressure greater than the suction pressure supplied to thelower space 289), so as to facilitate the downward movement of thepiston 280. The suction force applied to the lower space 289 may begreater than the opening pressure of the check valve 286, so as to openthe through-hole 284 and evacuate any excess air in the upper space 281,which may enhance the seal between the lid 231 and the container 215.However, it may be preferred for the check valve 286 to remain in aclosed position during downward movement of the piston 280, so as tofurther enhance the pressure differential between the lower space 289and the upper space 281, thereby further facilitating the downwardmovement of the piston 280 within the cavity. The sensitivity of thecheck valve 286 may be selected in view of the suction pressure suppliedto the lower space 289, any suction pressure supplied to the upper space281 and the atmospheric (or positive) pressure supplied to the interiorspace of the liner 235. In the selection of the check valve sensitivity,an efficient pressure differential and/or balance on both sides of thepiston 280 can be utilized to facilitate downward movement thereof, asdescribed further herein.

Thereafter, liquid may be drawn into the collection bag 230, as shown inFIG. 31. The liquid collection process is substantially similar to theprocess described above with reference to FIG. 8 and, therefore, adetailed description thereof is omitted at this point. As mentionedabove, during the liquid collection process, the continuously appliedsuction force in the lower space 289 may cause the check valve 286 toopen, so as to communicate the suction pressure with the upper space281, which may counterbalance the suction force applied inside theinterior space of the collection bag 230 to prevent or reduce collapseor deformation of the liner 235 during the liquid collection process.

The liquid collection process may thereafter end because the medicalprocedure is completed, for example. This action may also end as aresult of suction pressure shutoff, which may occur, for example, whenthe liquid level rises to the level of the shutoff device 238. Forexample, when the liquid level reaches the level of the shutoff device238, the shutoff device 238 may automatically shut off the conduit 233to stop the liquid collection process, as shown in FIG. 32. Should theliquid collection process be continued, a back-up storage container 20,for example, described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 may beused to continue the process.

To empty the collection bag 230, the container 215 carrying thecollection bag 230 may be transported to a disposal station 300 (e.g., apump assembly), as shown in FIG. 33. Prior to connecting the collectionbag 230 to the disposal station 300, the hose junction 240 carrying oneor more medical devices may be removed and placed in a red bag fordisposal, for example. The anti-drip valve 249 of the hose junction 240closes the fluid passageway 245 upon removal from the access port 220(e.g., the actuator pin 224 no longer holds the valve 249 open). Also,upon removal of the hose junction 240, the flexible valve 226 may returnto its original shape to close the access port 220. The closure of theaccess port 220 may keep the collected liquid in the collection bag 230for transport to the disposal station. The flexible valve 226 may alsoprovide a wiping function on the hose junction 240 during removal fromthe access port 220. This wiping function may aid in making the hosejunction 240 drip free during its removal and disposal.

As shown in FIG. 33, the disposal station 300 may include an eductor 350that provides a source of vacuum sufficient to draw the collected liquidout of the collection bag 230. In addition to the eductor 350 depictedin FIG. 33, other vacuum or suction sources may be used to draw thefluid out of the collection bag 230 to the disposal station. Forexample, a pump such as a rotary pump or piston pump or other suitabledevice (e.g., a flexible membrane device), may be used to evacuate thecontents of the collection bag 230. To connect the collection bag 230 tothe disposal station 300, the disposal connector 340 may be insertedinto the access port 220 of the collection bag 230 in a similar mannerto how the hose junction 240 is inserted into the access port 220.Similar to the hose junction 240, the disposal connector 340 may includea drip-free connector valve 345, which is biased to close the distal endof the disposal connector 340. Inserting the disposal connector 340 maycause the connector valve 345 to open, so as to establish fluidcommunication between the access port 220 and the eductor 350.

The eductor 350 may be positioned between a source of water or otherrinse fluid 305 and a sanitary sewer 390 to create a pumping forcesufficient to draw liquid out of the collection bag 230. Rinse fluid mayconsist of water, another wash fluid (e.g. a detergent or other fluid),or a mixture of water and another wash fluid. As noted above, the term“fluid” may refer to a combination of a liquid medium along with solidparticles, gases and/or particulates. As shown in FIG. 33, the eductor350 may be connected to the source of water 305 and the sewer 390 via awater conduit 315 and a discharge conduit 380, respectively. The waterconduit 315 may include a water valve 310, which may be controlledmanually or by other control, such as electric switch. In addition, aventuri 360 may be suitably positioned, (e.g., adjacent the eductor 350in the discharge conduit 380) so as to create a greater pumping force.The disposal connector 340 may be then connected to the eductor 350 viaan evacuation conduit 335.

In operation, as shown in FIG. 34, opening the water valve 310 causesthe water from the source of water 305 to flow into the eductor 350 tocreate a pumping force in the eductor 350. This pumping force causes theliner 235 to collapse and then liquid collected in the collection bag230 to flow into the eductor 350 and then into the sanitary sewer 390via the discharge conduit 380. To control the collapse geometry of theliner 235 in a manner that does not occlude and prevent the desireddischarge liquid flow, check valve 286 may be set in a closed position.The closed position of the check valve 286 prevents air from flowinginto the space between the liner 235 and the container 215. Because ofthe relatively limited air in the space outside of the liner 235, thewalls of the liner 235 will not be pulled away from the walls ofcontainer 215 and therefore will not close off the passage of liquidwithin the liner 235. At this stage, the three-way valve 265 may bealigned to communicate the lower space 289 with atmosphere via the firstand second connections 262, 264, as shown in FIG. 34. This selectionallows the pressure inside the lower space 289 to reach atmosphericpressure during the evacuation process, so as not to interfere with thecollapse of the liner 235. For example, maintaining the pressure in thelower space 289 at atmospheric pressure allows the piston 280 to riseduring the evacuation process, due to a differential pressure betweenthe upper space 281 (which is subject to a suction pressure) and thelower space 289 (which is open to atmosphere). Because the piston 280moves up as the liner 235 collapses, the collapse of the liner 235 takesplace primarily near the piston 280, and occlusion of the sidewalls ofthe liner 235 during the evacuation process may be effectivelyprevented.

The disposal station 300 may include a pipe conduit 325, that branchfrom the water conduit 315 to supply cleaning water to the disposalconnector 340. The pipe conduit 325 may include a valve 320 (e.g., anelectric solenoid valve, a ball valve) that controls the water flow intothe interior of the disposal connector 340. After liquid is removed fromthe collection bag 230, clean water from the source of water 305 mayflow into the interior of the disposal-connector 340, which can becycled on and off one or more times for rinsing or flushing purposes,and as preventive maintenance for the disposal connector 340. Theoperation may occur before the discharge connector 340 is removed fromthe access port 220, for example, so that cleaning water may flow to theexterior of discharge connector 340 and then be suctioned back throughthe interior of discharge connector by the suction of the eductor.

Thus, the disposal connector 340 may communicate with two channels: onechannel that supplies clean, rinse fluid and a second channel thatevacuates contaminated fluid. The second channel, for example, may besituated within the first channel, as shown in FIG. 32 and as similarlyshown and described with respect to FIG. 51. A valve, such as a ballvalve, is located within one of the channels. After the collectedcontents of a liquid collection container have been evacuated, rinsefluid flows from the first channel into and around the valve, flushingthe entire surface of the valve. If the valve is a ball valve, the rinsefluid flows in a cylindrical path around the valve housing so that thevalve is completely rinsed with the rinse fluid. Via the valve, therinse fluid enters the second channel and is evacuated, similar to thecontents of the liquid collection container. Thus, the second channel isalso flushed with rinse fluid. This approach allows the disposalconnector to automatically clean both itself and the connection with theliquid collection container. Among other things, this automatic rinsefeature prevents a user from coming into contact with liquid collectedin a medical procedure.

According to one aspect of the present invention, conduit 325 (whichsupplies cleaning water to the disposal connector 340) is in fluidcommunication with discharge conduit 380, which is used to “charge” theeductor 350, and to thereby suction fluid from the collection bag 30 (asdescribed above). In this manner, cleaning fluid will not be supplied tothe disposal connection 340 unless the eductor is suctioning fluid fromthe collection bag 30, thereby preventing unintended flooding of thecollection bag 30 with cleaning water.

Once an acceptable quantity of the liquid is removed from the collectionbag 230, and the collection bag 230 is collapsed, the dischargeconnector 340 is removed from the access port 220. The flexible valve226 then closes the access port 220, so as to seal the collection bag230 and to maintain the bag 230 in the collapsed state. The collectionbag 230 is then removed from the container 215 and placed in a red bagfor disposal, for example. A new collection bag 230′ may be placed ontothe container 215 for the next series of medical procedures, as shown inFIG. 35.

Access ports may include a normally-closed, flexible slit valve, forexample, a flexible, anti-drip, check valve. This valve may be made of aflexible material such as plastic, rubber, or other suitable material.In addition, to serving as an opening for a hose junction, the valveacts as a normally closed two-way check valve. The valve resists backpressure such that it assists in maintaining vacuum pressure within theliquid collection bag. This approach assists in maintaining an unusedbag and a previously used, evacuated bag in a substantially collapsedstate. This approach further provides a safety feature by preventingwaste in the collection bag from dripping from or exiting the bag. Thus,an evacuated collection bag will not leak waste if it is turned upsidedown or squeezed.

The piston 580 may also include one or more sealing members, such asO-rings 588 attached to an outer peripheral edge of the main body 585.The main body 585 may form one or more circumferential grooves toreceive the sealing members. The piston 580 may also include a scraperring 583 configured to prevent a liner of a liquid collection bag frombeing pinched between the inner wall of the cavity and the piston 580.

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram of a liquid disposal station 900,illustrating various components and their operational characteristicsassociated with a liquid collection system 10. When the liquidcollection bag becomes full or otherwise needs to be emptied, theportable liquid collection system 10 is transported to the disposalstation 900, similarly to as described above with reference to FIG. 27.The disposal station 900 may include a reference structure 987 and alatching member 980 fixed to the reference structure 987 for engaging acorresponding latching member 990 of the liquid collection system 10.Among other things, this approach allows the liquid collection system 10to be securely and accurately positioned at a predetermined locationrelative to the disposal station 900.

In certain exemplary variations, the process for evacuating liquid fromthe liquid collection system 10 may be automatically initiated uponengagement between the attachment mechanism and the main body of theliquid collection system 10, although the system may be configured suchthat an operator is required to manually initiate the evacuation processafter the system 10 has been operatively engaged with the disposalstation 900.

The disposal station 900 may include a sensor unit 995 affixed to, forexample, the reference structure 987 and configured to detect thepresence of a liquid collection system 10 in the vicinity of thedisposal station 900. The disposal station 900 may be configured suchthat the presence of a liquid collection system 10 in the disposalstation 900 is confirmed by the sensor unit 995 prior to initiation of aliquid evacuation process. Thus, the sensor unit 995 may be used as asafety measure against a false initiation of a liquid evacuation processin the disposal station 900. Alternatively, detection may beelectromechanically accomplished.

When the liquid collection system 10 is securely positioned in thedisposal station, an evacuation interface 960 and an interstitialinterface 970 may align with the evacuation port 540′ and theinterstitial port 516′, respectively, of the liquid collection system10, as shown in FIG. 41. Use of an interstitial hose is optional. Thedisposal station may also be configured to function without anyinterstitial connection or interstitial suction. In an exemplaryimplementation, the interstitial interface 970 may be connected to theevacuation interface 960 via a rigid support 965. The evacuationinterface 960 and the interstitial interface 970 may be connected to asuitable draining system for evacuating the liquid from the liquidcollection system. In some exemplary variations, the draining system forthe disposal station may include an eductor 350 that provides a sourceof suction pressure sufficient to draw the collected liquid out of thecollection bag of a liquid collection system 10, as shown in FIG. 39.The eductor 350 and the associated flow connections for evacuating thecollected liquid may operate similarly to those described above withreference to FIGS. 33 and 34, for example.

The flow connection between the eductor 350 and the liquid collectionbag 30 in the disposal station may differ from that shown in FIGS. 33and 34, in that this variation includes a side conduit 938 branchingfrom the evacuation conduit 335 for supplying suction force to theinterstitial interface 970. The interstitial interface 970 is configuredto connect to an interstitial port 516′ formed on a lid 530′ of a liquidcollection bag 30, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 45. As noted above, theinterstitial interface is optional, and the disposal system may beconfigured to function without any vacuum pressure from an interstitialvacuum. For example, when the interstitial interface 970 is insertedinto the interstitial port 516′, the passageway 917 of the interstitialinterface 970 may communicate with the interstitial space, as shown inFIG. 45. A suitable sealing member 918 (e.g., an O-ring) may be providedto seal the gap between an interior surface of the interstitial port516′ and an exterior surface of the interstitial interface 970. Asmentioned above with reference to FIGS. 22-24, the interstitial port516′ of the lid 530′ may be in fluid communication with an interstitialspace within a cavity external to a liquid collection bag, and thesupply of a suction force to the interstitial space may equalize thepressure inside and outside of the collection bag during an evacuationprocess, so that the collection bag may remain substantially uncollapsedduring the evacuation process. Providing the interstitial port 516′ inthe lid 530′ may eliminate the need for a power supply in the liquidcollection system 10 during the evacuation process, which may otherwisebe required to supply suction source to the interstitial space,similarly to the function of the second vacuum connector 64 in FIG. 8.

In other variations, a seal between the lid of the liquid collection bagand the top 11 of cavity 15 and at least seal between the piston and theinner walls of the cavity maintain vacuum pressure on the outside of thecollection bag by preventing air from entering the interstitial space sothat the sides of the bag do not collapse during an evacuation process.By limiting air flow into the interstitial space between the bag and theinner walls of the cavity, communication between a suction source andthe interstitial space is unnecessary/optional during an evacuationprocess. In addition, air flow into the interstitial space may becontrolled via the check valve 575 in the piston. These seals assist inequalizing the pressure inside and outside of the collection bag duringa collection process and continue to maintain that pressure up throughat least part of an evacuation process.

In exemplary variations, air flow may be allowed into the interstitialspace near the end of an evacuation process in order to fully collapsethe liquid collection bag 30 by allowing communication between theatmosphere and interstitial space. For example, air may be allowed intothe interstitial space at a predetermined time in the disposal cycle,such as during approximately the last 30 seconds of an evacuation cycle.In an exemplary implementation, the interstitial space may be accessedby establishing communication with the interstitial port 516′ and theatmosphere. For example, the disposal station may pierce the breakablepiece in the interstitial port 516′ in order to allow air to flow intothe interstitial space near the end of the evacuation process. Thedocking station may include a timer that times the evacuation processand establishes communication with the interstitial space at apredetermined amount of time before the end of the evacuation cycle.

In other variations, a valve, such as a solenoid valve or electricvalve, may be employed to provide air flow into the interstitial spacenear the end of an evacuation process. However, using the dockingstation to establish atmospheric communication with the interstitialspace enables a disposal cycle to run on an unpowered liquid collectioncontainer and mobile unit.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the disposal station mayinclude a linear slide 952, along which the evacuation interface 960 andthe interstitial interface 970 may slidably engage the evacuation port540′ and the interstitial port 516′, respectively. Movement of theevacuation interface 960 and the interstitial interface 970 relative tothe linear slide 952 may be controlled, for example, pneumatically by acompressor 958 or other suitable movement mechanism, a flow controlpilot 956, and a flow control valve 954 (e.g., a two-way solenoidvalve), similarly to as shown and described in FIG. 39. The flow controlvalve 954 may be configured to maintain pressure when power is lost.Alternatively, interface 960 and interface 970 may be controlled, eitherautomatically or manually, by any other linear actuation device.

As best shown in FIG. 41, the evacuation port 540′ and the interstitialport 516′ may remain closed by breakable closure members 544′, 514′during the liquid collection process. These breakable closure members544′, 514′ may be pierced or broken when the evacuation interface 960and the interstitial interface 970 engage the evacuation port 540′ andthe interstitial port 516′. To facilitate such piercing, the evacuationinterface 960 and the interstitial interface 970 may each include asharp distal edge 966, 915.

As shown in FIG. 94, the evacuation interface 960 may include anormally-closed valve 962, 963 (e.g., a duckbill valve, a check valve, aspring-loaded valve, a poppet valve) to open and close its passageway.In the exemplary variation shown in FIGS. 94, and 95, the valve includesa ball 963 biased against a distal end of the interface 960 by a spring962. The valve 962, 963 may be opened from its normally-closed positionby an actuation rod or pin 541′ positioned inside the evacuation port540′, for example.

Thus, upon insertion of the valve 962, 963 into the evacuation port540′, the actuator pin 541′ engages the valve 962,963 so as to open thepassageway of the evacuation interface 960, as shown in FIG. 95. Theevacuation port 540′ may include a normally-closed, flexible valve 542,as shown in FIG. 96. The valve 542 may be similar to the slit valve 426described above and, therefore, further detailed description thereof isomitted at this point. When the evacuation interface 960 is insertedinto the evacuation port 540′, the valve 542 may be deflected to openthe evacuation port 540′, for example.

FIG. 96 is a cross-sectional view of the evacuation hose junction 960 inengagement with the evacuation port 540′, illustrating an exemplary flowof cleaning water for cleaning the interface 960. As shown in FIG. 39,the disposal station 900 may include a pipe conduit 325, branching fromthe water conduit 315, to supply cleaning water or other cleaningsubstance to the evacuation interface 760. After liquid is removed froma collection bag, clean water or other substance from the pipe conduit325 may flow into the interior of the evacuation interface 760 through acleaning chamber 974, which can be cycled on and off one or more timesto rinse or flush it off as a preventive maintenance for the evacuationinterface 760. The cleaning operation may be performed before theevacuation interface 760 is removed from the evacuation port 540′ sothat cleaning substance may flow to the exterior of the evacuationinterface 760 and then be suctioned back through the interior of theevacuation interface 760, thereby flushing any residual fluid or otherparticles from the components of the interior of the interface 760.

The disposal station 900 may include an interface board 993 forindicating the status of the disposal station 900 and/or for enablingcontrol of various features of the disposal station 900. The interfaceboard 993 may include a stop button for stopping a liquid evacuationprocess. The interface board 993 may also include one or more visual oraudible indicators that provide various information relating to itsoperational characteristics and/or status, such as, for example, whetherthe station is being used.

FIGS. 41-43 illustrate an exemplary implementation of a liquidcollection system 1810 having a main body 1812 including a cavity 1815configured to receive a liquid collection container having a lid 1831and a flexible liner 1835. FIGS. 41 b-d illustrate that the cavity 1815and liquid collection container may be configured in various shapes andmay be received in the main body at various locations. For example, FIG.41 b illustrates a round liquid collection container having a round lid1831 b. FIG. 41 c illustrates a main body having the cavity 1815 eformed on a side of the main body 1812.

FIG. 42( a-c) illustrates a variation in which the liquid collectionsystem may further include a second cavity 1840 configured to receiveliquid via the liquid collection container 1830. In FIG. 42, the secondcavity is larger than the liquid collection container 1830.

FIG. 43( a-c) illustrate that the liquid collection container mayinclude a flexible liner 1835 that expands to accept collected liquidand collapses as the collected contents are evacuated from the liquidcollection container 1830.

FIGS. 44-46 illustrate an exemplary liquid collection and disposalprocess, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. First,liquid is collected in a disposable liquid collection container 1830 viaat least one opening 1832 in the lid 1831 of the liquid collectioncontainer 1830. The disposable liquid collection container may be, forexample, less than 5 L. However, the liquid collection container mayalso be larger. When the disposable liquid collection container 1830fills to its limit, liquid begins to enter the second cavity 1840, whichmay be configured to receive a second collection container. At the endof a procedure, the remaining fluid in the disposable liquid collectioncontainer 1830 is transferred to the second cavity 1840. Removal of thesuction instruments may cause the collected liquid in the disposableliquid collection container 1830 to be drawn into the second cavity1840, for example. Among other mechanisms for transferring the liquid, apiston in the first cavity 1815 may compress the liner 1835 of thedisposable liquid collection container 1830 and force the collectedliquid into the second cavity 1840. After the liquid in the disposableliquid collection container 1830 has been transferred to the secondcavity 1840, the liquid collection container 1830 may be removed anddiscarded in the appropriate waste repository. The second cavity maycomprise a disposable collection container and/or a reusable container.As shown in FIG. 46, section 12, disposal may include running a cleaningcycle on the second cavity. Although a cleaning cycle is only shown inconnection with the second cavity, a cleaning cycle may be provided inconnection with any of the collection containers and disposalstations/methods described herein. For example, a cleaning cycle may beincluded as part of a disposal cycle for a reusable container. In thealternative, a cleaning cycle may be provided as part of a disposalcycle for a disposable container. This may allow the disposablecontainer to be thrown in a regular trash or waste depository.

A new disposable liquid collection container 1830 may then be placed inthe first cavity 1815 to prepare for a second procedure. Liquid iscollected in the second liquid collection container 1830 until itreaches capacity. Then, collected liquid enters the second cavity. Theprocess is repeated allowing for large amounts of fluid and possiblymultiple procedures before the second cavity is filled. When liquid inthe second cavity reaches a predetermined amount, a visual or audioindication may be presented at a user interface on the main body 1812.The system may then be transported to a disposal station. The main bodymay be secure to and communicate with a disposal station as describedabove. The disposal station may also connect to at least one opening1850 in a lower portion of the main body. This lower interface allowsthe collected liquid to drain from the second cavity with the assistanceof gravity. Suction may also be applied in removing the collectedcontents. After the collected contents are removed, a cleaning cycle maybe performed to clean the second cavity. This cleaning cycle may includethe use of a cleaning fluid, such as detergent, and/or heat. After thecleaning cycle, the main body may be transported for use in a procedure.Once a disposable liquid collection container 1830 is received in themain body, liquid collection may begin, again.

FIG. 47( a-c) illustrate a variation in which contents may be collectedin either a first liquid collection container 1930 or a second liquidcollection container 1931, based on manual selection via a lever 1932.When lever 1932 is in a first position (a) shown in FIG. 47( a), anopening between fluid collection port 1933 and the first liquidcollection container 1930 is opened. Thus, collected fluid will be drawninto the first container 1930. When lever 1932 is in a second position(b) shown in FIG. 47( b), the opening 1934 between the fluid collectionport 1933 and the first container 1930 is closed, and a second opening1935 between the fluid collection port 1933 and the second liquidcollection container 1931 is created, allowing the fluid collection port1933 to communicate with the second liquid collection container 1931.

FIG. 48 illustrates and embodiment in which the second liquid collectioncontainer is similar to the disposable liquid collection containerdescribed in connection with FIGS. 44-46. The first liquid collectioncontainer may be a rigid container, which may or may not be disposable.FIG. 48 further shows that the first and second liquid collectioncontainer may be used in connection with a main body having a secondcavity, as described in connection with FIGS. 44-46. By providing afirst, smallest removable liquid collection container, a second,removable mid-range liquid collection container, and a third, largestcollection container configured within the main body of a liquidcollection system, a user may use a container suited to each procedure,while having available larger amounts of alternative containers if theamount of liquid that needs to be collected is larger than theanticipated amount.

FIG. 49 illustrates an exemplary liquid collection and disposal processin a liquid collection system having a disposable liquid collectioncontainer and a second cavity for collecting additional liquid insidethe main body. This figure illustrates a disposal station 1860 to whichthe liquid collection system may be attached to evacuate the collectedcontents.

FIGS. 50-52 show another variation of a liquid collection and disposalsystem 1010. The main body 1012 of the system 1010 includes a cavity1015 for receiving collected fluids. The system includes a disposablemanifold 1031, which, in turn, includes at least one collection port1032 configured to connect various medical instruments that draw liquidinto (or extract liquid from) the collection container 1030. The cavitymay be configured to receive a collapsible liquid collection container1030 that includes a flexible liner that attaches to disposable manifold1031.

FIG. 51 shows a variation with an additional portion on the main body1012. The additional portion may provide a larger user interface, andmay be used to house a vacuum source, storage, and/or other features.

A disposal device 1180 is also shown in FIG. 50. The disposal station1080 is configured such that the main body 1012 is moved over the top ofthe disposal station 1080. The disposal station may connect to the mainbody and remove collected fluid in a similar manner to that describedabove in connection with FIGS. 8, 29-35, and 39, for example. The mainbody 1012 may also secure to the disposal station 1080 in anothermanner. As shown in FIG. 50, the disposal station attaches to anevacuation port in the lower portion of the liquid collection container1030 and evacuates the collected contents of the liquid collectioncontainer 1030. Similar to some of the variations described above, theliquid collection container is configured to collapse as the contentsare removed. The collapsed liquid collection container and thedisposable manifold 1031 may then be removed and thrown away. In thisvariation, gravity may assist in emptying the liquid collectioncontainer.

The contents of the liquid collection container may also be evacuatedthrough an evacuation port located at the side or top of the main bodyor liquid collection container, through an opening in the disposablemanifold, or through an opening created after the removal of thedisposable manifold.

In each of the variations described herein, a vacuum source may beincluded in main body 1012. Alternatively, the main body may beconfigured to attach to an external vacuum source for collectingcontents in the liquid collection container. The vacuum source mayconnected directly to the liquid collection container or via a manifoldin communication with the liquid collection container. The liquidcollection systems may further include various valves, filters, etc. asdescribed in connection with the other implementations described hereinor as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on Mar.24, 2008, titled FLUID COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM AND RELATEDMETHODS.

FIGS. 53 and 55 show another variation of a system in accordance withaspects of the present invention. FIG. 53 shows a main body 1101configured to hold a plurality of liquid collection containers 1102. Auser interface is shown at 1125. FIG. 53 depicts three liquid collectioncontainers 1102; however, the main body 1101 may be configured to holdany suitable number of liquid collection containers 1102 for the size ofthe main body 1101. Each of the liquid collection containers draws inliquid separately. In one variation, the user selects which liquidcollection container to use. The main body is configured to attach to adisposable manifold 1103. This implementation allows a single ormultiple liquid collection containers to be filled, as needed. A secondliquid collection container may be used, without contacting fluidcollected in a first container, by replacing the disposable manifold andselecting a second liquid collection container. Among other things, thisapproach allows the liquid collection system to be used multiple timesbetween disposal of collected fluids.

FIG. 53 also shows an evacuation port 1104 located on the side of themain body 1102. By placing the evacuation port 1104 at a lower positionon the main body 1102, gravity is able to assist in the evacuationprocess. This evacuation port 1104 may alternatively be located at thetop, bottom, upper portion of the side, etc. The contents of the liquidcollection container may also be evacuated through an opening in thedisposable manifold. The liquid collection container may include aflexible liner configured to extend and collapse during the process offluid collection and evacuation, as described further herein.

FIG. 54 illustrates an exemplary disposal station 1105 for removing thecollected contents in the liquid collection system 1100 of FIG. 53. Thedisposal station may connect to the main body and remove collected fluidin a similar manner to that described above in connection with FIGS. 8,29-35, and 39, for example.

FIG. 56 illustrates a liquid collection process in accordance with aliquid collection system 1100 similar to the variations depicted inFIGS. 53-55. FIG. 56 illustrates that a first side 1100 a can beconfigured to block a view of liquid that is being collected in liquidcollection containers 102 in an opposite side 1100 b. This arrangementmay provide a more aesthetic quality if multiple procedures will becarried out before the liquid collection system is emptied, for example.

FIG. 57 illustrates an exemplary disposal station 1105 for removing thecollected contents in the liquid collection system 1100. The disposalstation may connect to the main body and remove collected fluid in asimilar manner to that described above in connection with FIGS. 8,29-35, and 39, for example.

FIG. 58 illustrates an exemplary sequence of operation using liquidcollection system 1100. A liquid collection container 1102 holdingcollected fluid is shown as darkened. An empty liquid collectioncontainer 1102 is shown in white. After a procedure, the liquidcollection system can be transported to a disposal station 1105 todispose of the collected fluid. FIG. 2 a illustrates that the liquidcollection system may be returned for another procedure after disposal.FIG. 2 b illustrates that the liquid collection container 1102 a may beattached to the disposal station separately from the main body 1101, anda second liquid collection container 1102 b may be attached to the mainbody 1101 and used for another procedure. FIG. 2 c illustrates animplementation in which a procedure area includes at plurality ofdisposal stations. This plurality of disposal stations allows a firstliquid collection container 1102 a to be disconnected from the main body1101 and attached to disposal station 1105 a for a disposal cycle. Asecond liquid collection container 1102 b that has been previously runthrough a disposal cycle at disposal station 1105 b may then be attachedto the main body and used for a continuation of the procedure or foranother procedure. While liquid collection container 1102 b is in use,for example, a disposal cycle is being completed on liquid collectioncontainer 1102 a.

FIG. 59 illustrates a variation in which a liquid collection system 1101may be configured to include a plurality of liquid collection containers1102. In this variation, the main body 1101 is configured with a centralportion for receiving a disposable manifold 1103. For example, a firstdisposable manifold may be placed in communication with the liquidcollection system 1101. One of the plurality of liquid collectioncontainers 1102 is selected, and upon collection of liquid, the liquidenters the disposable manifold and flows to the selected one of theplurality of liquid collection containers 1102. The liquid collectioncontainer 1102 may be selected, for example by placement of the manifold1103 in communication with an opening 1120 corresponding to the selectedliquid collection container 1102. In other variations, the manifold maybe attached in the same position, and the liquid collection containermay be selected, for example, using an electronic selection, manuallymoving a lever. If the first selected liquid collection container isfilled to a predetermined amount, liquid collected beyond that amountmay then enter a second liquid collection container in the plurality1102. The second collection container may begin to collect liquid aftera manual selection. For example, a manifold may be placed incommunication with the opening 1120 corresponding to the secondcollection container. This second collection container may also being tocollect liquid automatically upon the first liquid collection containerreaching the predetermined amount. For example, adjacent collectioncontainers may communicate in a tandem or spillover manner. Thissequence continues until a procedure is finished. At the end of theprocedure, the disposable manifold may be removed and discarded.

At the beginning of a second procedure, a new disposable manifold may beplaced on the main body, and a new liquid collection container may beselected from the plurality of containers 1102. The liquid collectionprocess continues, similar to the first procedure, using as many liquidcollection containers in the plurality 1102 as necessary. This sequenceof operations may continue until each of the liquid collectioncontainers in the plurality 1102 has been used. Then, the liquidcollection system 1100 may be transported to a disposal station as shownin FIG. 57 for emptying, for example.

This sequence of operation described and shown in FIG. 59 allows theliquid collection system 1101 to be used for a plurality of proceduresor for a large amount of liquid collection before disposal is necessary.Through use of a plurality of individual liquid collection containersand attachment of a new disposable manifold between procedures, fluidfrom one procedure is prevented from coming into contact with fluid fromanother procedure.

FIGS. 60-62 show another variation in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention. In FIG. 60, the liquid collection system includes amain body 1201 having a user interface 1202. The main body 1201 isconfigured to hold a plurality of liquid collection containers 1203.Although six liquid collection containers 1203 are shown in theexemplary implementation of FIG. 60, the main body may be configured tohold any suitable number of liquid collection containers for its size.The main body 1201 and the liquid collection containers 1203 areconfigured to attach to a plurality of disposable manifolds 1204. Eachof the disposable manifolds 1204 include at least one port 1205 forcommunicating with a medical suction instrument, for example, throughwhich fluid is collected in one of the liquid collection containers1203.

Each of the plurality of liquid collection containers 1203 collectsfluid separately from the other liquid collection containers. By usingindividual disposable manifolds 1204, a single liquid collectioncontainer, or multiple liquid collection containers, in the plurality1203 may be filled, as needed. A user may select which liquid collectioncontainer to use, for example. A second liquid collection container inthe plurality 1203 may be used without contacting either the previouslycollected fluid in a first liquid collection container or the disposablemanifold for the first collection container, by selecting a secondliquid collection container and attaching at least one suctioninstrument to a port 1205 in the disposable manifold of the liquidcollection container. This approach allows the liquid collection systemto be used multiple times between disposal operations for collectedfluids.

Exemplary disposal stations 1210 and 1211 are shown in FIG. 62, whichare usable with the variation of the disposal system shown in FIG. 60.These disposal stations 1210, 1211 may include an evacuation attachmentconfigured to communicate with and evacuate a plurality of liquidcollection containers at one time, or may be configured to communicatewith and evacuate one liquid collection container at a time. Disposalstation 1211 may be configured to employ a conveyor belt type disposalprocess in which liquid collection containers 1203 are removed anddrained in order, for example. The conveyor belt may remove the liquidcollection containers 1203 from the main body 1201 and move them throughthe disposal station The disposal process may further include a cleaningstep.

In FIG. 62, disposal station 1210 is illustrated as including a manifoldsection 1220. In the variation shown as 1210, the liquid collectioncontainers 1203 are received in the disposal station having a manifold1204 attached. As part of the disposal cycle, the used manifold isremoved and discarded, for example, in 1230. The manifold section may beused in the process of removing and discarding manifolds, or may be usedto store new manifolds to be attached to liquid collection containersafter completion of a disposal cycle.

FIG. 63 shows an exemplary liquid collection and disposal process inaccordance with the components and operations shown in and describedwith respect to FIGS. 60-62. Used liquid collection containers aredarkened in this figure. Unused or cleaned liquid collection containersare shown in white. In the exemplary variation of FIG. 63, the disposalstation is configured to receive liquid collection containers, forexample by removing the liquid collection containers from a main body1201 of a liquid collection system. Additional liquid collectioncontainers may be maintained in a first position in the disposalstation, as shown. The disposal station removes the liquid collectioncontainers 1203 from the main body 1201. The removed liquid collectioncontainers move the liquid collection containers previously held in thedisposal station to a second position. In the second position, the mainbody may receive the liquid collection containers. After receiving theliquid collection containers, the main body may be removed from thedisposal station and used for liquid collection. FIG. 63 shows that theremoval and receiving process may occur when the main body is movedadjacent to the disposal station. The disposal station 1211 may includea feature that moves the main body 1201 through the disposal station.Disposal station may also include a feature that distinguishes liquidcollection containers containing collected fluid and unused liquidcollection containers.

FIG. 64 shows another exemplary liquid collection and disposal processin accordance with the components and operations shown in and describedwith respect to FIGS. 60-62. The disposal station 1210 is configured toreceive used liquid collection containers 1203 a at a first position1213 and to transfer new or cleaned liquid collection containers 1203 bto the main body 1201 of the liquid collection system at a secondposition 1214. Used liquid collection containers are drained ofcollected liquid and/or cleaned before being transferred to the secondlocation to be received by a main body 1201.

FIGS. 65 and 66 show another variation in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention. In FIG. 65, the liquid collection system includes amain body 1301 having a first portion 1302 and a second portion 1303.The first portion 1302 provides an opening through which at least oneliquid collection container 1304 may be accessed. The second portion1303 provides an enclosure that shields at least one liquid collectioncontainer 1304. The second portion 1303 may also include a userinterface. Main body 1301 is configured to hold a plurality of liquidcollection containers 1304. FIG. 60 shows a circular configuration ofliquid collection containers, although other embodiments may have othershapes. The main body 1301 includes a rotating mechanism that rotatesthe plurality of liquid collection containers around a central portion1306. Each of the plurality of liquid collection containers may includea disposable manifold 1305. Each manifold includes at least one port1307 for attaching a suction instrument, through which liquid iscollected into the liquid collection container.

In order to collect liquid in the liquid collection system, a firstliquid collection container accessible through the first portion 1302 ofthe main body is selected. This selection may be made manually by theuser, or may be automatically determined based on the position of thefirst liquid collection container with respect to the main body, forexample. At least one suction instrument may be attached to a port 1307in the manifold 1305 of the selected liquid collection device. Oncesuction is established from the vacuum source, liquid may be collectedin the liquid collection container via the suction instrument.

After the first liquid collection container has been used, the main bodymay be rotated such that a second liquid collection container is placedin proximity with the first portion 1302 of the main body. The secondliquid collection container is then ready for communication with atleast one suction instrument for collection. These features allow theliquid collection system to be used with multiple liquid collectioncontainers, or to be used in multiple procedures before disposal. Thesecond portion 1303 of the main body shields the used liquid collectioncontainer and manifold both from contact and from view. Once the secondliquid collection container is either full or the medical procedure isfinished, for example, the main body may rotate such that the secondliquid collection container is internal to the second portion 1303 ofthe main body, and such that a third liquid collection container isaccessible through the first portion 1302 of the main body, and so on.

Central portion 1306 may include a vacuum source, or an external vacuumsource may be connected to the main body 1301. Central portion 1306 mayalso include a mechanism for rotating the liquid collection containers1304. An evacuation opening 1038 is shown in a lower portion of the mainbody 1301. In various implementations, the liquid collection containersmay be rigid or flexible and may be drained through an opening incommunication with evacuation opening 1308. The liquid collection systemmay be moved to a disposal station, and the disposal station may beplaced in communication with evacuation opening 1308. The disposalstation then is able to evacuate the contents of at least one liquidcollection container. The main body may be configured such that all ofthe liquid collection containers are evacuated at the same time, onlyselected liquid collection containers are evacuated at the same time, orliquid collection containers are evacuated individually. This evacuationmay occur as the disposal station causes the liquid collectioncontainers to rotate in order for evacuation, or a user may manuallycause the liquid collection containers to rotate for evacuation.Alternatively, only used liquid collection containers may be evacuated.

Another exemplary disposal station 1310 is illustrated in FIG. 65. Thedisposal station may include at least one disposal interface 1311.Although the disposal interface 1311 is shown in a lower portion of thedisposal station, in other implementations, the collected contents maybe evacuated through an evacuation opening located at other positions inthe main body, or may be evacuated through the manifold or via anopening in the liquid collection container, for example.

The disposal station may connect to the main body and remove collectedfluid in a similar manner to that described above in connection withFIGS. 8, 29-35, and 39, for example.

If the liquid collection container is reusable, after evacuation, it maybe disinfected prior to reuse. If the liquid collection container isdisposable, after evacuation, it may be discarded.

FIG. 68 shows another variation in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention. In FIG. 68, the liquid collection system includes amain body 1401 and a plurality of cavities 1402, 1403. Although twocavities are shown in FIG. 68, any number of cavities may be included onmain body 1401. Each cavity is configured to attach to a disposableliquid collection container 1406, having a lid 1407 and a flexible liner1408. The flexible liner 1408 may be attached to the lid such that asubstantially sealed interior space is sealed therebetween. The lidincludes at least one port 1409 for communicating with a suctioninstrument, through which liquid is collected into the liquid collectioncontainer. The lid 1407 may further include an additional opening 1410configured to communicate with an evacuation source. In the alternative,the at least one port 1409 may be used for evacuation of the liquidcollection container 1406. The liquid collection container 1406 may besimilar to those described in connection with any of FIGS. 1-8, 20-25,82-92, or other variations described herein. The lid 1407 may includesimilar openings, valves, and seals. The cavity may further include apiston, as described in connection with FIGS. 29-35. The main body 1401may include a central portion 1405, and may further include a userinterface 1411. The central portion 1405 may include a vacuum source,filters, etc., similar to those described in other implementationsdescribed and/or shown herein.

FIG. 69 illustrates an exemplary variation of a liquid collectioncontainer. This variation includes a lid/manifold 1407, a rigid cavity1412 configured to attach to the lid 1407, and a flexible liner 1408with a top configured to abut either the lid 1407 or the rigid cavity1412. Flexible liner 1408 may include a flexible tube structure 1413 forassistance in evacuating fluid from the flexible liner. This variationincludes an interface 1416 that may be configured to communicate with avacuum source upon insertion of the liquid collection container into themain body 1401. This communication may occur without any additionalmanual steps. The rigid container 1412 includes an opening 1417 fortransferring collected fluid to the flexible liner 1408. The rigidcontainer may also include an additional opening 1414 configured tocommunicate the flexible liner 1408 with an evacuation source 1417. Therigid container 1412 may be used to collect a smaller amount of fluid,with flexible liner 1408 attached as a back-up or spillover container.Rigid container 1412 may also be used as a specimen collectioncontainer.

FIGS. 70-71 show another exemplary implementation of a portable wastecollection system 1501, according to exemplary aspects of the presentinvention. The system 1501 includes a main body 1502, the main body mayinclude a stand 1505 and base 1506. The base in FIG. 71 shows four legs1507 extending from the stand 1505. However, other embodiments mayinclude a different number of legs (e.g., three legs, five legs) or asolid base, such as a square or circular shaped base. The base mayinclude wheels 1507 or other mobile elements that allow the system 1501to be easily moved to a desired location.

The system also includes a plurality of waste collection containers 1503a, 1503 b, 1503 c, 1503 d. Although four containers are shown in FIG.71, any suitable number of removable waste collection containers 1503may be used with a given size system. The main body may include asupport section 1502 that supports the containers 1503. The main bodymay also include separators 1504 located between each waste collectioncontainer 1503. The section of the main body including the separators1504 and the liquid collection containers 1503 may rotate around acentral axis, as shown in FIG. 70. The waste collection containers eachhave a lid 1508. Each lid includes at least one port 1509 forcommunication with a suction instrument. Each lid may also include anadditional opening 1510, that may be used, for example, as an evacuationport. The lids may include additional features described in connectionwith FIGS. 1, 4-8, 17-24, and 29-35. For example, each lid may includean interface for connecting with a suction source (includingautomatically in some variations), as shown in FIGS. 22-24. Each lid mayadditionally connect a liquid collection container 1503 with an adjacentliquid collection container. As with the other variations describedherein, the liquid collection container 1503 may be rigid or flexible,may be disposable or reusable, and may include a rigid cavity configuredto accept a lid with an attached flexible liner.

The liquid collection containers may be configured to include a portion1512 shaped to slidably fit into a groove 1513 in the main body.

A vacuum source may be included in main body 1502, or the main body mayinclude an interface for connecting to an external vacuum source. Thisvariation may further include an attachment feature for attaching anadditional container 1511. The additional container may be configuredfor use as a back-up or overflow container, and may additionally beconfigured for use as a trap or specimen collection container.

FIG. 71( a) shows an exemplary variation of the top of a lid 1508 inmore detail. FIG. F2 also shows a variation in which the main body 1501does not include separators 1504 between the waste collection containers1503. Each lid 1508 may include at least two openings. One opening 1518may connect the waste collection container 1503 to at least one devicethrough which waste will be collected, for example. FIG. 71( a) shows aconnection member 1519, such as tubing, in communication with theopening. The opening 1518 may include a port or other structureconfigured to communicate with a connector, such as tubing, and/or oneor more medical devices. The opening may also be configured to providecommunication with a plurality of medical devices. In operation, wasteis drawn through the medical device, through the connection member 1519,and into the waste collection container 3 using suction.

A second opening 1516 may be configured to provide communication with asource of suction. For example, tubing or another connection member 1517may connect the opening 1516 in the lid 1508 to a vacuum or other sourceof suction. In FIG. 71( a), each lid 1508 includes an opening 1516configured to communicate with a source of suction.

Each lid may further include a third opening 1513 configured to providecommunication with an adjacent waste collection container 1503 b througha conduit or other communication feature 1514, such as tubing. Incertain circumstances, the waste collection container 1503 may becomefull or temporarily inoperable during a waste collection process. Thiscommunication between adjacent waste collection containers 1503mitigates the negative effect these may have on a medical procedure byproviding a connection to a plurality of back-up containers. Forexample, this communication between adjacent waste collection containersmay allow collected waste to overflow to an adjacent container.

In an alternative exemplary variation, the second opening 1516 may beconfigured to provide communication to an adjacent waste collectioncontainer 1503 b. In this variation, each waste collection container1503 is connected to at least one adjacent waste collection container.This communication with an adjacent container 1503 allows the source ofsuction to be communication from the collection container as well. Thus,for example, the source of suction may be communicated directly to onlyone waste collection container.

In yet another variation, each waste collection container may beconfigured to function as a separate, independent suction canister,independently communicating with a source of suction and/orindependently providing communication with at least one medical device.

The waste collection containers 1503 may be configured to require amanual connection to an adjacent waste collection container 1503 beforeuse. Alternatively, the waste collection containers may be configured toautomatically collect overflow waste from an adjacent waste collectioncontainer once the original waste collection container has reached itscapacity.

Although FIG. 71( a) depicts an individual connection 1517 between eachliquid collection container and a vacuum source, the system may beconfigured for one liquid collection container to attach to a vacuumsource, and for the other liquid collection containers to communicatewith the vacuum source via communication with an adjacent liquidcollection container.

FIG. 71( a) shows an additional opening 15 in the lid 8 of each wastecollection container 3. This optional opening may be provided to allow adisposal system to communicate with the container 3. For example, such adisposal system may evacuate the collected waste material. Opening 1515may further include a breakable closure, such as a layer of plastic orfoil that is pierced when connected to the waste disposal system. Inother variations, the waste disposal system may communicate with a wastecollection container through one of the other openings 1516, 1518, and1513.

FIGS. 72-74 illustrate a variation in which the liquid collection systemof FIGS. 70-71 further includes an additional liquid collectioncontainer 1511. This additional liquid collection container may be usedas a back-up storage container, for example, or as a specimen collectioncontainer, among other things. Additional liquid collection container1511 may communicate with a vacuum source 1520 placed in a centralportion of the main body, as shown in FIGS. 72 and 73. Alternatively,the additional collection container 1511 may also communicate directlywith a liquid collection container 1503 via, for example, its lid 1508as shown in FIG. 74.

FIG. 72 illustrates a removable vacuum source 1520. As main body may beconfigured to receive a removable vacuum source, the vacuum source 1520may be replaced with a second vacuum source, if necessary. The main bodymay also be configured to communicate with an external vacuum source.

FIG. 73 shows a central portion 1521 in the center of the main body 1501of the fluid collection system. This central portion may be locatedabove vacuum source 1520. If an external vacuum source is being used,central portion 1521 is in communication with the external vacuumsource. Communication with either type of vacuum source is establishedwith the liquid collection container via interface 1530. Thiscommunication is established as the liquid collection container isreceived in the main body 1501.

When additional collection container 1511 is attached to central piece1521, suction through conduit 1513 draws liquid into the container 1511via at least one port 1514. a shield 1515 directs fluid away fromconduit 1513, preventing liquid from entering the vacuum.

The additional collection container 1511 may be attached to the lid 1508of the liquid collection container via opening 1540 in lid 1508. Opening1540 includes an extension that raises piece 1512 in additionalcollection container 1511 such that contents collected in the additionalcollection container 1511 spillover into container 1503. The additionalcollection container is communicated with the vacuum source viacollection container 1503.

FIG. 75 shows another variation in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention. In FIG. 75, the liquid collection system includes amain body 1601 including a cavity 1602, the cavity having a top portion1603 configured to receive a lid 1604 of a collapsible liquid collectioncontainer 1605. In the variation shown in FIG. 75, the lid 1604 isattached to a flexible liner 1606, and the flexible liner 1606 isconfigured to extend and contract in a bellows-like manner. The liquidcollection container may further include a rigid bottom portion 1607.

The lid 1604 and rigid bottom 1608 may include a securing mechanism,such as the one shown in FIG. 77( a, c), that secures the lid to therigid bottom portion 1607 prior to use and after evacuation. Theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 77( a-c) includes a breakable portion1610 located between a first piece 1611 attached to the rigid bottom anda second piece 1612 located on the lid 1604. This breakable portion maybe configured to break when pressure is applied to expand the rigidbottom 1607 away from the lid 1064. For example, the breakable portionmay be configured to break when vacuum pressure is applied to aninterstitial space between the cavity 1602 and the exterior of theflexible liner.

The first piece 1611 and the second piece 1612 may be configured suchthat, after a liquid collection container has been used and evacuated,the first piece 1611 secures to the second piece 1612, as shown in FIG.77( c). This securing may allow the user to easily place the liquidcollection container in contact with the opening of the cavity, forexample, and thereby avoid pinching the flexible liner between the lidand the top portion of the cavity, among other things.

The operation of the system shown in FIG. 77( a-c) is similar to thatdiscussed in connection with FIGS. 8 and 29-35. FIG. 75 shows anexemplary disposal station 1613 configured to evacuate the contents ofthe liquid collection container.

The cavity 1602 may include a piston 1608. Piston 1608 may includefeatures similar to the piston described in connection with FIGS. 29-35.

FIGS. 78-80 show another variation in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention. In FIG. 78, the liquid collection system includes amain body 1701 having a cavity 1702. The main body is configured tocommunicate with a manifold 1703. The manifold includes a plurality ofports 1704 for communication with a suction instrument. An exemplarymanifold is shown in FIG. 80. FIGS. 78 and 80 show a variation of a lid1703 in which the plurality of ports are provided in a pattern aroundall sides of the lid 1703. Among other things, this approach allows auser to easily access a port, regardless of the position of the mainbody 1701. The main body may also include interfaces 1705 and 1706providing communication between the interior of the cavity and theexterior of the main body. These interfaces may be used to communicatewith a vacuum source, and may also be used to communicate with anevacuation source, for example.

FIG. 79( a,b) shows an exemplary disposal system 1720 and an optionalattachment piece 1710 that may be used with the liquid collection systemshown in FIG. 78. The attachment piece 1710 may include additionaloptional electronics or an attaching vacuum source. The attachment piece1710 may be configured to removably attach to the main body 1701 of theliquid collection system. The attachment piece 1710 may include wheelsor other mobile feature that enable the attachment piece 1710 to movealong with the main body, after attachment. The attachment piece may beremoved prior to evacuation or in order to attach the attachment pieceto another main body.

FIG. 79( b) shows an exemplary disposal system that may be used inconnection with the variation shown in FIG. 78. The disposal station mayconnect to the main body and remove collected fluid in a similar mannerto that described above in connection with FIGS. 8, 29-35, and 39.

FIG. 81 shows how one attachment piece 1710 may be used with a pluralityof main bodies 1700. A main body with collected liquid is indicated ashaving a darkened center. An empty main body is indicated as having awhite center. The attachment piece may be stationed near a procedurearea, for example. When liquid is to be collected, the main body may betransported to the procedure area and connected to the attachment piece.Liquid is then collected either until the procedure is finished or untilthe liquid in the liquid collection container reaches a predeterminedfill limit. At this point, the liquid collection container and the mainbody 1700 may be disconnected from the attachment piece 1710 transportedto a disposal station 1720. If the procedure is not finished or ifanother procedure begins before disposal of the collected liquid isfinished, a second main body/liquid collection container 1700 may beattached to the attachment piece 1710 and used to collect liquid whilethe first liquid collection container/main body is in the process ofdisposal.

The liquid collection container in connection with each of the abovedescribed variations may include a rigid or flexible reusable collectioncontainer that is evacuated and disinfected between uses, or a rigid orflexible disposable collection container that is evacuated before beingdiscarded in a waste repository. A flexible, disposable collectioncontainer may include aspects described in connection with otherimplementations described herein, such as those shown and described inconnection with FIGS. 1-3, 4-8, 17-24, and 29-33.

Additional variations of liquid collection containers are shown in FIGS.82-92.

FIGS. 82( a-c) illustrate a liquid collection container 2100 having aflexible liner 2102 and a lid 2101 similar to those described inconnection with FIGS. 1, 5, and 8. Any of the various lids may be usedin combination with this liner variation. This liquid collectioncontainer includes a mechanism for compressing, rolling, or folding theflexible liner prior to use and after or during disposal of collectedliquid. For example, this mechanism may include a roller 2103 and apiece 2104 attached between the roller 2103 and a side of the lid 2101opposite the side on which the roller 2103 is located. The piece 2104may include a strip of material configured to surround at least aportion of the exterior of the flexible liner. 2102.

FIG. 82( c) shows the mechanism holding the flexible liner in acollapsed state prior to use. In the next portion of FIG. 82( c), themechanism extends to allow the liner 2102 to expand. The liquidcollection container is used to collect liquid. After liquid iscollected, the liquid collection container is emptied of the collectedliquid. The mechanism retracts, thereby rolling, folding, or compressingthe flexible liner 2102 of the liquid collection container 2100. Themechanism may retract by rolling piece 2104 around roller 2103. Thisaction may occur after the collected liquid has been removed, or mayassist in compressing the liner 2102 while the collected liquid is beingremoved.

FIG. 83( a and b) show an additional variation of features for acollection system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.This variation may include ridges or ribs 2203 that extend in a firstdirection along the liner 2202. FIG. 83 b shows a cross section of thelid 2201 and liner 2202. Lid 2201 may include an opening 2211 forcommunication with a vacuum source, and may also include a fluid trap orfilter 2210, such as a PPV filter to block liquid from entering thevacuum source. FIG. 84 shows a cross section of such a liner 2202. FIG.85 illustrates how the liner functions during liquid collection anddisposal.

FIGS. 86-87 illustrate a variation of stacking liquid collectioncontainers having a flexible liner. FIG. 86 illustrates a liquidcollection system 2301 configured to receive a plurality of liquidcollection containers in a stacked manner. As shown in FIG. 87, each ofthe plurality of liquid collection containers includes a lid 2302 and aflexible liner 2303. The lid 2302 may hingeably or otherwise beconfigured to closed an opening at the top of the flexible liner 2303.The lid may include an opening 2304 configured to receive a manifold2305 having at least one port 2305 through which liquid may be collectedinto the interior of the liquid collection container. After liquid hasbeen collected, the manifold 2304 may be removed prior to evacuation ofthe collected contents or used as an interface for evacuation of thecollected contents, for example. The flexible liner 2303 collapses asthe collected contents are removed. In typical operation, the collapsedliquid collection container is removed from the stacked plurality ofliquid collection containers following collection, and the next liquidcollection container is ready to have the lid closed, a manifoldattached, and liquid collected.

FIG. 88( a-c) shows a similar variation to that of FIGS. 86 and 87, inwhich the liquid collection containers are compressed prior to use andstacked adjacent to each other, rather than, for example, nested insideone other. A compartment 2310 may be provided in liquid collectionsystem 2301 for receiving a number of compressed liquid collectioncontainers, as illustrated in FIG. 88( b). FIG. 88( a-c) alsoillustrates that the liquid collection containers may further includetubing 2306, such as flexible tubing. This tubing may be used to assistwith fluid removal during a diposal process as previously described. Thetubing 2306 may be, for example, a flexible tube attached to the liner2303 or a tubular opening formed in the material of the liner.

FIG. 89( a-c) illustrates another variation that is generally similar infunction to that of FIG. 1. FIG. 89( b) shows a cross section of thisvariation, including a portion 2320 in the bottom 39 of the liquidcollection container 30 that is configured to abut a second portion 2321in the lid 31 of the liquid collection container when the flexible liner35 is in a compressed state. Portions 2320 and 2321 may be used toprovide a securing mechanism that secures the liquid collectioncontainer in a collapsed position. For example, portions 2320 and 2321may snap together, frictionally maintain a connection, and may includean adhesive therebetween. Portions 2320 are drawn apart as part of fluidcollection. This may occur via vacuum pressure applied to the exteriorof liner 35 prior to fluid collection or via the pressure of collectedfluid. FIG. 89( c) illustrates an exemplary liquid collection anddisposal in liquid collection container 30.

A disposal station usable with the variations of FIGS. 82-89 mayfunction similarly to those described in connection with FIGS. 8 and29-35. However, other disposal processes may be used. For example, thedisposal process may optionally include one or more of draining ordumping of collected liquid via an opening in a liquid collectioncontainer, positioning a tube in a liquid collection container andevacuating the collected contents, such as shown in FIGS. 90( a,b),evacuating a liquid collection container using suction, collapsing aflexible liner, adding a solidifier to collected liquid, capping of aliquid collection container, and/or disposal of an entire liquidcollection container along with collected contents.

FIGS. 91 and 91( a-c) illustrate another variation of a liquidcollection container. This variation includes a lid 2101 and a flexibleliner 2100 attached to the lid. The liner may include tubing 2107, asdescribed above. The liquid collection container is received in a cavity2103 of a mobile unit 2111, not shown. The lid 2101 includes at leastone port 2109 configured to communicate with a suction instrumentthrough which fluid is drawn into the collection container. Thiscommunicate may be made via tubing 2110. Each port may include a closuremechanism 2104 that closes the port when communicate is not establishedwith such tubing 2110. FIG. 91 a shows an example of such a closuremechanism. Port 2109 may include a closure piece 2108 a biased to blockthe port. Closure piece 2108 a may be attached to at least one extension2108 b extending along port 2109, as shown in position (a). When a tube2110 is connected to port 2109, extension 1208 b is biased againstclosure piece 2108 a and forces an opening between closure piece 2108 aand port 2109, creating communication between port 2109 and the liquidcollection container, as shown in position (b). This communicationallows fluid to be suctioned through port 2109. When the tube 2110 isremoved, the closure piece 2108 a again biases against port 2109, asshown in position (a).

The lid 2101 may also include an indicator 2105 that indicates whetherthe liquid collection container is new or used. An embodiment of such anindicator is illustrated in FIG. 91( b). This indicator mayautomatically indicate that the liquid collection container has beenused, once any amount of fluid has been drawn into the container.Collected fluid may include a very small amount of fluid, and may beclear. Indicator 2105 allows a user to quickly identify used containerswithout requiring a visual inspection of liquid collection container.This prevents liquid collection containers from mistakenly being usedfor multiple procedures.

The liquid collection container in FIG. 91 may also include a non-dripvalve 2106 located between the lid 2101 and the main body 2111 andvacuum source. An example of such a non-drip valve 2106 is shown in FIG.91 c. The valve includes a closure piece 2113 biased against an opening.As the lid 2101 is received in the main body 2111 of a liquid collectionsystem, the lid 2101 presses the closure piece 2113 away from theopening. When the vacuum source is started, the suction opens a flexibleend portion 2112 of lid 2101, pulling the flexible end portion toposition 2114, thereby providing communication between the vacuum sourceand the liquid collection container.

FIG. 92 illustrates a process of liquid collection using the liquidcollection container 2100 from FIG. 91. In this variation, liquid isdrawn into the liquid collection container until a float valve 2116 israised via contact with collected fluid, as shown in sections 1-4. Atthis point, collected fluid is drawn through tube 2107 in the liner 2115and into another container, such as a second container, via the non-dripvalve 2106. A second container may be configured similar to thosedescribed in connection with FIGS. 41-46, for example.

While aspects of the present invention have been described andillustrated with reference to one or more preferred variations thereof,it is not the intention of the applicants that these aspects berestricted to such detail. Rather, it is the intention of the applicantsthat aspects of the present invention be defined by all equivalents,both suggested hereby and known to those of ordinary skill in the art,of the variations falling within the scope thereof.

1. A fluid collection system, comprising: a container having a topopening; a lid configured to close the top opening, the container andthe lid defining a substantially sealed interior space therebetween,wherein the lid includes a plurality of access ports through which theinterior space receives fluid, and wherein the plurality of access portsare spaced around the perimeter of the lid.
 2. The fluid collectionsystem according to claim 1, further comprising: a flexible linerattached to the lid such that the liner is interposed between the lidand the container when the lid closes the top opening, the liner and thelid defining a substantially sealed interior space therebetween, whereinthe flexible liner is configured to collapse into an at least partiallycollapsed state as the fluid is removed from the interior space.
 3. Afluid collection system, comprising: a container having a top opening; alid configured to close the top opening; and a flexible liner attachedto the lid, such that the liner is interposed between the lid and thecontainer when the lid closes the top opening, the liner and the liddefining a substantially sealed interior space therebetween, wherein thelid includes an access port through which the interior space receivesfluid, wherein the flexible liner is configured to collapse into an atleast partially collapsed state as the fluid is removed from theinterior space, and wherein the flexible liner includes an access port,in a portion opposite the portion attaching to the lid, through whichthe fluid may be removed from the interior space.
 4. The fluidcollection system according to claim 3, wherein the access portionthrough which fluid may be removed from the interior space is configuredto be at least partially dependent on gravity.
 5. A fluid collectioncontainer comprising: a lid; an at least partially rigid bottom; and aflexible liner attached between the lid and the bottom, such that thelid, flexible liner, and bottom define a substantially sealed interiorspace therebetween, the lid including: an opening configured forcommunication with at least one suction instrument through which thecollection container receives fluid; and an opening configured forcommunication with an access port of a suction source, wherein theflexible liner is configured to extend to a first position and tocollapse to a second position.
 6. The liquid collection containeraccording to claim 5, further comprising: a first attachment pieceextending from the lid; and a second attachment piece extending from thebottom, wherein the first and second attachment pieces are configured tocommunicate the lid to the bottom such that the flexible liner ismaintained in a collapsed position.
 7. A fluid collection system,comprising: a plurality of fluid collection containers; and a disposablecollection container receiving housing, the housing including: at leastone attachment point for attachably receiving a plurality of fluidcollection containers; and an interface to a suction source, whereineach fluid collection container, includes: a lid configured to attach tothe housing; and an interface configured to communicate with the suctionsource.
 8. The fluid collection system according to claim 7, wherein theinterface configured to communicate with the suction sourceautomatically communicates with the suction source when the fluidcollection container is placed at one of the at least one attachmentpoints for attachably receiving a plurality of fluid collectioncontainers.
 9. The fluid collection system according to claim 8, furthercomprising: an additional collection container configured to attach toboth a center piece communicating with the suction source and the lid ofat least one of the plurality of fluid collection containers.
 10. Thefluid collection system according to claim 7, wherein fluid collectioncontainer automatically communicates with an adjacent fluid collectioncontainer when the fluid collection container is placed at one of the atleast one attachment points for attachably receiving a plurality offluid collection containers.
 11. The fluid collection system accordingto claim 7, wherein the housing is rotatable.
 12. The fluid collectionsystem according to claim 11, wherein the housing further comprises: anopen portion, wherein the open portion provides access to at least onefluid collection container; and an enclosing portion, wherein theenclosing portion covers at least one fluid collection container. 13.The fluid collection system according to claim 7, wherein each fluidcollection container further includes: a collapsible liner attached tothe lid, such that the lid and collapsible liner form a substantiallysealed interior space, and wherein the liner is configured to beexpandable within the cavity.
 14. A fluid collection system, comprising:a disposable collection container; and a fluid collection containerreceiving housing, the housing including: a first cavity for receivingthe disposable collection container; a second cavity configured toreceive collected fluid from the disposable collection container; and aninterface to a suction source, wherein the disposable collectioncontainer, includes: a lid configured to attach to the housing; aninterface configured to communicate with the suction source; and acollapsible liner attached to the lid, such that the lid and collapsibleliner form a substantially sealed interior space, and wherein the lineris configured to be expandable within the cavity.
 15. A fluid collectionsystem, comprising: a main body; a fluid collection container receivedin the main body; a removable attachment piece, the removable attachmentpiece including a vacuum source; and an interface for connecting to apower source, wherein the main body is configured to removably secure tothe removable attachment piece, and wherein the main body includes atleast one interface for communicating the fluid collection containerwith the vacuum source.
 16. The fluid collection system according toclaim 15, wherein the at least one interface is also configured tocommunicate with an evacuation source when the removable attachmentpiece is removed.
 17. A fluid disposal station comprising: a mainhousing for receiving a plurality of fluid collection containers; aconduit to a waste repository; a conduit to a rinse fluid; a conveyorattachment piece for drawing the plurality of fluid collectioncontainers through the main housing.
 18. A fluid collection containercomprising: a lid; a first collection cavity attached to the lid todefine a substantially sealed interior space therebetween; a secondcollection cavity attached to at least one selected from a groupconsisting of the lid and the first collection cavity to define a secondsubstantially sealed interior space therebetween, wherein at least oneof the first and the second collection cavities comprise a flexibleliner configured to collapse into an at least partially collapsed state.19. A fluid collection container comprising: a lid; and a flexible linerattached to the lid to define a substantially sealed interior spacetherebetween, wherein the flexible liner is configured to collapse intoan at least partially collapsed state as fluid is removed from theinterior space, and wherein the flexible liner includes at least oneselected from a group consisting of a plurality of ribs extending in alongitudinal manner, a plurality of circumferential rings, and aflexible tube.
 20. A fluid collection container comprising: a lid; and acavity connected to the lid to define a substantially sealed spacetherebetween; an interface for communicating the sealed space with avacuum source; at least one opening configured to allow fluid to bedrawn into the sealed space; and a closure piece biased against the atleast one opening, wherein the closure piece is configured to move awayfrom the opening when an attachment piece is attached to the at leastone opening.
 21. A method of evacuating a collapsible collectioncontainer, the method comprising: securing a fluid collection containerreceiving housing, to a disposal system; attaching the collapsiblecollection container so as to communicate via a first conduit with asuction disposal source in the disposal system; collapsing the fluidcollection container by evacuating the contents of the collapsiblecollection container; and cleaning the interior of the collapsiblecollection container.